Public-Key Encryption Security for RIM BlackBerry Devices

Related Resources Real World Mobility Applications

Certicom Security for BlackBerry Applications

Ask the Experts

We need to add strong security to our application for the RIM BlackBerry, but without impacting performance of the application on the device.

Challenge

As a leading wireless connectivity solution, the RIM BlackBerry provides access to a wide range of applications on a variety of devices around the world. Developers of these applications need to secure the data transmitted to and from their solutions but adding comprehensive security to an application presents numerous challenges, including the transmission of the key and the effect on performance.

Solution

1/3

Public-Key Encryption Security for RIM BlackBerry Devices

A cryptosystem that leverages the advantages of both symmetric and public-key cryptography is one possible solution. By relying on public-key cryptography to facilitate secure key exchange, user authentication and non-repudiation, BlackBerry application developers can guarantee a secure sharing of secret keys. With this accomplished, data transfer can continue in a symmetric cryptography environment better suited to extended secure wireless communications.

The RIM Crypto API includes both symmetric cryptography classes from RIM and public-key cryptography classes from Certicom to provide all the security required.

Certicom provides many ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography)-based public-key cryptography classes. Generally speaking, ECC provides faster timings for a general purpose cryptosystem. In fact, RIM uses ECC algorithms for the majority of their security operations.

Using the RIM Crypto API with the Certicom crypto classes, developers can integrate: data encryption and decryption digital signatures data authentication user authentication non-repudiation certificate management

Value

Licensing security functionality through RIM and Certicom allows BlackBerry application developers to integrate all the necessary security for their application while continuing to concentrate on their core expertise. Through the simplicity of the RIM Crypto API, security is integrated quickly and cost-effectively without associated support costs and without negatively impacting time-to-market. Developers can also rest assured that they are using the same public-key security that RIM trusts for all their devices and applications.

2/3

Public-Key Encryption Security for RIM BlackBerry Devices

If you are interested in licensing Certicom Cryptography Classes for benefits like reduced risk, faster time to market and improved efficiencies, please fill out the form Certicom Security for the RIM BlackBerry this license is FREE. If you would like information on using optimized security middleware to implement end-to-end security between the BlackBerry and your mobile enterprise application, or for security libraries on other mobile devices, please contact Certicom sales .

3/3