BlackBerry 6 Gets FIPS Security Certification for U.S. Government Agencies

Research In Motion (RIM) announced today that the latest version of its operating system, BlackBerry 6, is now FIPS 140-2 certified. BlackBerry 6 debuted on the BlackBerry Torch smartphone earlier this year.

FIPS is a U.S. government computer security standard for certifying cryptographic modules. The standard was developed through the Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP), which certifies products for use by U.S. government agencies and regulated industries that collect, store, transfer, share and disseminate sensitive information. Product certifications under the CMVP are performed in accordance with the requirements of FIPS 140-2.

“This FIPS certification will help extend the reach of BlackBerry 6 to users in a wide range of government agencies and other security-conscious organizations in the U.S.,” said Scott Totzke, Vice President, BlackBerry Security Group at Research In Motion. “BlackBerry 6 offers an exceptional mobile experience for BlackBerry smartphone users on the most secure wireless platform in the industry.”

BlackBerry 6 ships on the BlackBerry Torch, BlackBerry Bold 9780 and BlackBerry Style smartphones. BlackBerry 6 can also run on the BlackBerry Bold™ 9650, BlackBerry Bold 9700, BlackBerry Curve 3G and BlackBerry Pearl devices. (subject to carrier certifications).

In addition to various FIPS certifications, the BlackBerry Enterprise Solution has been approved through the CESG Assisted Product Scheme (CAPS) in the United Kingdom and by the Defence Signals Directorate in Australia, and has also received Common Criteria EAL 4+ certification.

BlackBerry Enterprise Solution has been approved for storing and transmitting sensitive data by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as well as government organizations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Austria, Australia and New Zealand.