BlackBerry working with Boeing to make self-destructive phone for spies

Ultra-secure mobile is being developed for US security staff

Andrew Griffin
Monday 22 December 2014 07:34 EST
Comments
Boeing and BlackBerry have revealed little about the phone, though details some of its specifications, and its back, on its website
Boeing and BlackBerry have revealed little about the phone, though details some of its specifications, and its back, on its website (Boeing)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Boeing and BlackBerry are working together to make an ultra-secure phone for US security staff, which will allow them to communicate securely and blow itself up if it falls into the wrong hands.

BlackBerry’s CEO, John Chen, gave away some details of the project when presenting the company’s earnings.

“Boeing is collaborating with BlackBerry to provide a secure mobile solution for Android devices utilizing our BES 12 platform," he said, saying that he couldn’t give any more away.

BES is BlackBerry’s server system for businesses. It allows companies to securely manage devices, including those are that not using BlackBerry's own operating system.

Many of the details of the project have been kept secret but Boeing provides some on its site.

The phone, called Boeing Black, has disk encryption, a cryptographic engine and modular hardware that allows it to be upgraded and changed in use.

It uses Android, rather than BlackBerry’s own operating system — Google’s software is said to be favoured by the US government because it is more secure.

Boeing, which is better known for making planes and weapons, has begun offering the phone to potential customers.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in