BlackBerry Taps Trend Micro To Analyze Third-Party Apps

Following the recent launch of its highly anticipated BlackBerry 10 operating system and new handsets last week, BlackBerry on Monday announced that it has teamed up with security firm Trend Micro to help BlackBerry protect customers against malware and privacy risks coming through third-party applications.

“As part of a multi-level and phased approach for addressing privacy implications and security concerns, BlackBerry will incorporate the Trend Micro Mobile Application Reputation Service with its current internal, proprietary system for analyzing applications,” the company said in a statement. “With the cloud-based Trend Micro Mobile Application Reputation Service, both current and new applications submitted to the BlackBerry World storefront will be scanned for potential malicious behavior.”

“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, BlackBerry Security Response and Threat Analysis at BlackBerry. “By incorporating Trend Micro’s advanced mobile scanning and detection capabilities with our own internal, proprietary application analyzing system, we can provide another layer of protection and assurance for BlackBerry customers. Together, BlackBerry and Trend Micro are developing an innovative and comprehensive solution for protecting BlackBerry customers against emerging mobile security concerns.”

“The volume of malicious and high-risk mobile apps are on the rise across the industry, which is why we applaud BlackBerry’s commitment to protecting their customers against these emerging mobile threats,” said Kevin Simzer, Vice President of Corporate Development and Alliances, 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.”

Last week, along with the official launch of the BlackBerry 10 platform, the Canadian-based company changed its name to BlackBerry from Research in Motion, and launched two new handsets, including the Q10 which has physical keyboard, and a touchscreen handset dubbed the Z10.