Adding more value to its efforts on beefing up security, BlackBerry has announced that it is acquiring German security specialist Secusmart, which excels in anti-eavesdropping technology. Secusmart specializes in high-security voice and data encryption.
With security vulnerabilities in the mobile devices increasing and revelations about the government and third parties sneaking into people’s personal conversations and information, people and the government are regularly reminded of the need for a secure environment which makes this acquisition a smart move for BlackBerry, according to analysts.
Notably, Secusmart provides security to German Chancellor Angela Merkel whose BlackBerry device was tapped by the NSA’s alleged spying.
The company’s SecuSUITE for BlackBerry 10 was chosen by Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security last year to protect data communicated by its top officials who often share sensitive information.
Internet Marketing firm WebiMax CEO Ken Wisnefski said that BlackBerry can regain its position in the mobile front if it can make devices which assure security.
J. Gold Associates’ President and principal analyst Jack Gold said that voice security is the most ignored but most necessary concept as most of the critical voice communications are sent over IP data streams which makes them vulnerable and that most users and organizations do not realize the need for voice encryption.
While securing the devices of German government officials, Secusmart also provides its services to the Canadian government. In addition to securing the BlackBerry 10 devices, the company also encrypts the landline phones of government agencies and corporations.
BlackBerry CEO John Chen said that the company has already crossed the rough patch it had for the past two years and is already looking to hire new employees for a fresh start. He also said that although the company doesn’t want to face financial struggles, it needs to invest in technology in order to be a potential competitor in future.
