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Blackphone

Exploiting Silent Circle's Secure Blackphone

posted onJanuary 7, 2016
by l33tdawg

The highly secure device could have been exploited, were it not for the responsible disclosure by a security researcher.

Any modern device is made up of multiple hardware and software components, any one of which could represent a potential risk. That's a reality that secure mobile phone vendor Silent Circle has learned with its Blackphone, thanks to the responsible security disclosure from Tim Strazzere, director of mobile research at SentinelOne.

BlackBerry hits back at Blackphone maker’s security jibe

posted onNovember 26, 2015
by l33tdawg

A battle royale between secure phone vendors has erupted with BlackBerry hitting back at Silent Circle, maker of Blackphone.

In an official blog post on BlackBerry’s website, its chief security officer David Kleidermacher has responded to Silent Circle’s claim that BlackBerry’s security was “very much like it was done in 2007”.

Mark Dowd finds bug in ultra secure BlackPhone that lets attackers stalk users

posted onJanuary 28, 2015
by l33tdawg

A recently fixed vulnerability in the BlackPhone instant messaging application gave attackers the ability to decrypt messages, steal contacts, and control vital functions of the device, which is marketed as a more secure way to protect communications from government and criminal snoops.

Coming to Blackphone: An app store loaded with privacy tools

posted onDecember 9, 2014
by l33tdawg

Blackphone handsets can download and install a major software update today – ahead of the opening of an online store for privacy-focused apps for the mobes.

The Blackphone runs its own hardened version of Android, dubbed PrivatOS, on custom hardware. It allows owners to make and send encrypted calls and texts, among other security features.

Blackphone goes to Def Con and gets hacked - sort of

posted onAugust 13, 2014
by l33tdawg

When the Blackphone team arrived at Def Con last week, they knew they were stepping into a lion’s den. In fact, that's exactly why they were there. The first generation Blackphone from SGP Technologies has been shipping for just over a month, and the company’s delegation to DefCon—including Silent Circle Chief Technology Officer Jon Callas and newly hired SGP Technologies Chief Security Officer Dan Ford—was looking to both reach a natural customer base and get help with further locking down the device.

A Smartphone for Consumers Who Want Privacy

posted onJuly 17, 2014
by l33tdawg

IF there’s a symbol for the idea that privacy is on people’s minds, it’s the Blackphone.

The Blackphone, which went on sale this week for $629, is billed as the first smartphone built solely with privacy and security in mind. It is definitely more secure than your average phone, but comes with trade-offs that most consumers might not need or enjoy. It’s probably best for reporters, dissidents and companies concerned with corporate security.

Exclusive: A review of the Blackphone, the Android for the paranoid

posted onJune 30, 2014
by l33tdawg

Based on some recent experience, I'm of the opinion that smartphones are about as private as a gas station bathroom. They're full of leaks, prone to surveillance, and what security they do have comes from using really awkward keys. While there are tools available to help improve the security and privacy of smartphones, they're generally intended for enterprise customers. No one has had a real one-stop solution: a smartphone pre-configured for privacy that anyone can use without being a cypherpunk.

Secure Android smartphone could be targeted by hackers and NSA

posted onMarch 4, 2014
by l33tdawg

The new "Blackphone" smartphone may have only debuted at last week's Mobile World Congress but concerns are already being raised that it will be targeted by hackers and the NSA.

Spanish start-up Geeksphone, Silent Circle and Pretty Good Privacy announced the Blackphone at the technology exhibition in Barcelona last week, with STMicro later demonstrating its own security-focused smartphone, the Boeing Black.