Dare To Be… Hacked?

By Michael Hunter (Contributing Writer)

Today a company called Veracode released spyware specific to the BlackBerry Operating System. Spyware is usually not an issue for BlackBerry since they do have some of the best data security around, for this is the exact reason they are used as corporate phones for so many big companies. Veracode’s reasoning for releasing this spyware code is to show that the BlackBerry in fact, is vulnerable to spyware.

Tyler Shields, the author of the BlackBerry spyware, says that though “BlackBerry is one of the better operating systems in regards to security, when in the sandbox you can steal data.” What’s a sandbox? A sandbox is a security mechanism that separates running programs. Often times it is used to run programs from unverified third party developers, suppliers and untrusted users. In other words it is a heavily secured area on your BlackBerry’s memory that allows use of untrusted software.

This spyware code that Tyler calls TXSBBspy, is what he calls a blueprint for malware on BlackBerry devices. It shows that once the sandbox is accessed, it is possible to remotely dump contents (data, contacts, emails, personal info etc.) and send it via email. The code also allows for real-time monitoring of your personal messages. Scary right?

(via: www.networkworld.com)