14 DAY TRIAL // The first Android smartphone launched by BlackBerry is just around the corner. Since the Canadian company is well known for the security of its products, devices and services alike, it's very important for customers to understand why BlackBerry decided to include one of the most insecure mobile platforms on the Priv.
BlackBerry Priv, the smartphone that should hit shelves in early November, will be powered by Android Lollipop operating system right out of the box.
According to BlackBerry, the company has teamed up with Google to combine the most secure mobile platform (BlackBerry) with the most flexible app ecosystem (Android).
Among the changes the Canadian company had to apply to Android OS, one of the most important seems the Hardware Root of Trust, which is a unique manufacturing process which is supposed to push cryptographic keys into the device hardware, while providing a secure background for the entire platform.
Will it be enough for BlackBerry?
Aside from that, BlackBerry also added “Verified Boot and Secure Bootchain,” which uses the embedded keys in order to check every layer of the device from hardware to OS to apps to make sure they have not been compromised or tampered with.
Also, BlackBerry Priv should include a “hardened Linux kernel,” which benefits from numerous patches and configuration changes meant to further improve security.
FIPS 140-2 compliant full disk encryption is included and enabled by default as well. BES12, one of BlackBerry's most treasured services, is available with the Priv too.
Many BlackBerry fans probably remember that the Priv has been confirmed with a new application called DTEK. This application has been designed to help Priv users manage and protect their privacy.
For example, DTEK provides users with information on which apps access their personal data and shows the overall security of their devices based on aspect like strength of password, encryption settings and the apps installed.
This isn't the last time we hear about BlackBerry Priv's security and privacy features, since the Canadian company promised more details on the matter by the time the smartphone goes on sale, so stay tuned for more on this one.
