BlackBerry steps up BB10 app security to steer clear of malware

BlackBerry steps up BB10 app security to steer clear of malware

BlackBerry has inked a deal with Trend Micro to add security for third-party apps. One of the pain points in mobile security is the prevalence of malware, even within authorised applications markets for its recently launched Blackberry 10 OS, and BlackBerry is seemingly steering clear of the malware issues afflicting Android.

To prevent malware from infiltrating its store, BlackBerry is integrating Trend Micro’s Mobile Application Reputation Service with its internal, proprietary system for analysing applications. All existing and new applications submitted to BlackBerry World will be scanned for malicious behaviour and rooted out.

“BlackBerry is working with Trend Micro to implement a more robust approach for addressing privacy and security concerns related to third-party applications,” said Adrian Stone, Director of BlackBerry Security Response and Threat Analysis. “By incorporating Trend Micro’s advanced mobile scanning and detection capabilities with our own internal, proprietary application analysing system, we can provide another layer of protection and assurance for BlackBerry customers.”

“The volume of malicious and high-risk mobile apps is on the rise across the industry,” said Kevin Simzer, Vice President of Corporate Development and Alliances at Trend Micro. “With the speed that cybercriminals are targeting new platforms and applications, Trend Micro and BlackBerry’s strategic collaboration is natural and timely for the security of end users. Together, the two companies can further secure and enhance BlackBerry customers’ mobile experience.”

Blackberry and Trend Micro

Trend Micro claims to have scanned and evaluated over 2 million mobile applications. Mobile Application Reputation Service is in fact the cyber-security firm’s next generation cloud-based technology for mobile OSes.

Interestingly, Trend Micro identified 30,000 malicious and high-risk Android apps in June and then increased the tally to nearly 175,000 between July and September last year. Android is fast becoming a favoured target for malware. For instance, Google’s Play Store is full of malware and new ones are discovered every day. Only this week, security experts came upon a malware calledDroidCleaner, which debilitates your phone and can be used to spy on users through the PC microphone when the phone is connected.

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