5 BlackBerry Safety Tips to Protect your Personal Information

10.23.09

Alexbest

Hello world! My name is Alex M. and I’m a Security Product Manager at Research In Motion (RIM). My job is to make sure that folks like you and me are safe when we use a BlackBerry® smartphone. What do I mean by “safe”? Security is about letting the good guys in and keeping the bad guys out. Sounds simple, right? Just don’t tell that to my boss. :D

BlackBerry smartphones come with a huge set of built-in security features, but how do we use them and what do they really do? Those are the questions I’ll be trying to answer with every post. Let’s start from the beginning: protecting your personal information.

Many of us (and I’m no exception) keep important information on our BlackBerry smartphones. The last thing we all want is this information getting into the wrong hands if our BlackBerry smartphone is lost or we replace it with a newer model. The good news is that BlackBerry smartphones are very tough nuts to crack, especially if you take the right steps to protect your information.

Wipe It!

Replacing your BlackBerry smartphone is like selling a used car – you need to make sure you clear it out first! Here are three easy ways to do that:

  1. Wipe your BlackBerry smartphone data.
  2. If you have a BlackBerry® Internet Service account, contact your carrier and ask them to remove it. If you don’t, your emails will keep being sent to your old smartphone even after you wipe it.
  3. If you have a corporate BlackBerry smartphone, ask your IT admins to remove the IT policies. The new owner will thank you!

Protect It!

Of course, smartphones are also easy to lose, and many are stolen each day. To protect your personal information in case your BlackBerry smartphone is lost or stolen:

  1. Make sure you set a password. By default, an attacker only has 10 tries to get it right, so making it hard to guess is very important. Here some useful tips on choosing a strong password.
  2. Use content protection to encrypt all of your personal data. You can enable this by selecting Options -> Security Options -> General Settings on most BlackBerry smartphones.

If you do lose your smartphone, you will also want to contact your carrier right away to disable your SIM card (or equivalent). If you have a corporate smartphone, make sure you contact your IT staff first. They will usually be able to remotely enable security features and/or wipe your smartphone.

So there you have it, a few simple and practical ideas. Any tips you want to share? Anything you want to hear about next time? Let me know in the comments. Till next time, stay alert, stay safe.

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  • Bla1ze

    The suggestion of wiping your BlackBerry Smartphone in this example doesn’t state you need a BES for that.
    It should be noted that BIS customers, if device is lost or stolen have no way to wipe their device unless a 3rd party application is used. Maybe you could look at suggesting some third party applications from alliance members which allow BIS users to do so.
    I understand in the article you addressed the fact lost or stolen devices are wiped after a specified number of unlock attempts, but my suggestion of 3rd party applications is for those who may not have password protected their device. Third party applications are a great solution to that problem should it ever arise.
    Great job Alex, looking forward to more information here. :)

  • Bla1ze

    The suggestion of wiping your BlackBerry Smartphone in this example doesn’t state you need a BES for that.
    It should be noted that BIS customers, if device is lost or stolen have no way to wipe their device unless a 3rd party application is used. Maybe you could look at suggesting some third party applications from alliance members which allow BIS users to do so.
    I understand in the article you addressed the fact lost or stolen devices are wiped after a specified number of unlock attempts, but my suggestion of 3rd party applications is for those who may not have password protected their device. Third party applications are a great solution to that problem should it ever arise.
    Great job Alex, looking forward to more information here. :)

  • Bla1ze

    The suggestion of wiping your BlackBerry Smartphone in this example doesn’t state you need a BES for that.
    It should be noted that BIS customers, if device is lost or stolen have no way to wipe their device unless a 3rd party application is used. Maybe you could look at suggesting some third party applications from alliance members which allow BIS users to do so.
    I understand in the article you addressed the fact lost or stolen devices are wiped after a specified number of unlock attempts, but my suggestion of 3rd party applications is for those who may not have password protected their device. Third party applications are a great solution to that problem should it ever arise.
    Great job Alex, looking forward to more information here. :)

  • Bla1ze

    The suggestion of wiping your BlackBerry Smartphone in this example doesn’t state you need a BES for that.
    It should be noted that BIS customers, if device is lost or stolen have no way to wipe their device unless a 3rd party application is used. Maybe you could look at suggesting some third party applications from alliance members which allow BIS users to do so.
    I understand in the article you addressed the fact lost or stolen devices are wiped after a specified number of unlock attempts, but my suggestion of 3rd party applications is for those who may not have password protected their device. Third party applications are a great solution to that problem should it ever arise.
    Great job Alex, looking forward to more information here. :)

  • Caspan

    I love the idea about security… I am a security person myself. One thing RIM has forgotten is the use of hands free devices while security is enabled. I sent an email to Douglas about this with an idea would love to hear the community’s feedback on. You can view the article on my Blog
    http://caspan.com/?p=31

  • Caspan

    I love the idea about security… I am a security person myself. One thing RIM has forgotten is the use of hands free devices while security is enabled. I sent an email to Douglas about this with an idea would love to hear the community’s feedback on. You can view the article on my Blog
    http://caspan.com/?p=31

  • Alex M

    Thanks Bla1ze. You’re right that there are third-party applications that let you remotely wipe your BlackBerry Smartphone without a BlackBerry Enterprise Server. Now if only there was an easy way to find such applications… :)
    http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/search/wipe/category/2
    Note: I haven’t tried any of these myself, so use at your own risk. Better yet, if you’ve used one, let us know what you think!

  • Alex M

    Thanks Bla1ze. You’re right that there are third-party applications that let you remotely wipe your BlackBerry Smartphone without a BlackBerry Enterprise Server. Now if only there was an easy way to find such applications… :)
    http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/search/wipe/category/2
    Note: I haven’t tried any of these myself, so use at your own risk. Better yet, if you’ve used one, let us know what you think!

  • Norm

    Facebook App is not working with the new 5.0 opp system is there a patch coming out to fix?

  • Norm

    Facebook App is not working with the new 5.0 opp system is there a patch coming out to fix?

  • Tazzle, Inc

    My Corporate BB encrypts all data on the media card. Need to get pictures off the encrytped media to PC for viewing.
    Sample file name: IMG0001.jpg.rem
    The encryption is through Newsgator Enterprise Edition.
    Any sugestions??
    Thanks!
    Michael_Tazzleit

  • Tazzle, Inc

    My Corporate BB encrypts all data on the media card. Need to get pictures off the encrytped media to PC for viewing.
    Sample file name: IMG0001.jpg.rem
    The encryption is through Newsgator Enterprise Edition.
    Any sugestions??
    Thanks!
    Michael_Tazzleit

  • Douglas Soltys

    Caspan! You wrote me the War and Peace of BlackBerry emails! It takes awhile to get feedback internally on anything that long. =D
    Good stuff though! Everyone go check it out and get commenting.

  • Douglas Soltys

    Caspan! You wrote me the War and Peace of BlackBerry emails! It takes awhile to get feedback internally on anything that long. =D
    Good stuff though! Everyone go check it out and get commenting.

  • BlackBerryForum

    Hi Tazzle, Inc
    You may want to refer to this link regarding the issue:
    http://www.blackberry.com/btsc/search.do?cmd=displayKC&docType;=kc&externalId;=KB16240&sliceId;=1&docTypeID;=DT_SUPPORTISSUE_1_1&dialogID;=200360604&stateId;=1%200%20201446346
    Brian
    Come follow your BlackBerry Technical Team on twitter! @BlackBerryForum
    Want to learn how to use your BlackBerry® smartphone? Visit http://www.youtube.com/BlackBerry to help you get the most out of your BlackBerry smartphone!

  • BlackBerryForum

    Hi Tazzle, Inc
    You may want to refer to this link regarding the issue:
    http://www.blackberry.com/btsc/search.do?cmd=displayKC&docType=kc&externalId=KB16240&sliceId=1&docTypeID=DT_SUPPORTISSUE_1_1&dialogID=200360604&stateId=1%200%20201446346
    Brian
    Come follow your BlackBerry Technical Team on twitter! @BlackBerryForum
    Want to learn how to use your BlackBerry® smartphone? Visit http://www.youtube.com/BlackBerry to help you get the most out of your BlackBerry smartphone!

  • Caspan

    I know… I’m just poking at you. I take my BlackBerry stuff serious. I can’t imagine the amount of emails that you have to go through let alone my novel :)

  • Caspan

    I know… I’m just poking at you. I take my BlackBerry stuff serious. I can’t imagine the amount of emails that you have to go through let alone my novel :)

  • Master Control

    I have a Sprint & a Nextel BlackBerry, there is a way to stop emails from being received on your missing blackberry.
    I just log into my sprint or nextel account, goto email settings and disable all pop3 email addresses being sent to the missing (ie:pin number)unit.
    This is just way, another way is to forward the email to another address, I have ten (10) pop3 email addreses and have had to do this myself.
    This is the same thing that customer service would do.
    it can be done by the unit owner.

  • Master Control

    I have a Sprint & a Nextel BlackBerry, there is a way to stop emails from being received on your missing blackberry.
    I just log into my sprint or nextel account, goto email settings and disable all pop3 email addresses being sent to the missing (ie:pin number)unit.
    This is just way, another way is to forward the email to another address, I have ten (10) pop3 email addreses and have had to do this myself.
    This is the same thing that customer service would do.
    it can be done by the unit owner.

  • Joey

    I am the administrator for a seven device BPS installation at a small community bank. I currently have third-party app downloads restricted. My users are complaining because they would like to utilize some of the third-party apps that are available. I am concerned about the risks associated with enabling this and curious about how well the BAW apps are tested and if there is a way to restrict them to only the BAW apps. Can you give me any guidance or point me to some resources that detail how this works?

  • OP

    If you enable content protection, most 3rd party application that sync data will have problems. That includes Google Sync, the Rexwireless applications, syncml clients, etc.

    Isn't a password enough since the device will be wiped after 10 failed attempts?
    What are the risks of leaving the device's memory unencrypted?

  • Lexy

    How do I retrieve blackberry instant messages that I deleted from my phone?

  • epn1

    I'd like to make a security-related feature suggestion. As Alex points out, the first step to securing your device is to enable password protection. And as noted in the “choosing a strong password” link, to be secure a password should have a variety off characters and should be long. (The article at the link suggests a whopping 12-14 characters!!)

    In theory, that's all good. But in reality, having a 14 character password that includes uppercase, lower case, numbers and maybe symbols is going to involve 20+ clicks on a tiny keyboard. Having to do that every time you pick up the device is so burdensome that some will have short insecure passwords (or no passwords) and others (like me) will find ourselves just not using the BlackBerry as often as we'd like.

    To fix that, I suggest this: Allow the user to set two passwords — a quick password and a standards password. The quick password would only work if entered correctly on the first try and within a few seconds of when the first character is entered. Any error or delay and the unit can only be opened with the strong standards password.

    Because the quick password must be entered exactly right without error in a few seconds, the chances of anyone guessing it correctly are miniscule. As a result, even a short (3-4 character) password would be a secure way to lock the unit. The long password would be the fallback in case the owner goofed when entering the short one.

    This was a feature in a locking app (TealLock) I had for a Palm device, and it was great!

  • http://supportforums.blackberry.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/95796 BlackBerryHelp_Thomas

    Lexy,

    If you have a backup of your BlackBerry that you created with BlackBerry Desktop Manager you could retrieve them there. If you do not have a backup of the BlackBerry then there will be no way to retrieve them.

  • http://www.24mobile.de/blog/handy-herstellerblogs-infos-direkt-und-ungefiltert.html Handy Herstellerblogs: Infos direkt und ungefiltert! – Handy Blogs, Herstellerblogs Handy, Smartphone Blogs, LG Blog, Sony Ericsson Blog, Nokia Blog, Palm Blog, Blackberry Blog – 24mobile Handy Blog für Handys und Handyverträge

    [...] effektiver zu nutzen. So gibt es z.B. eine Anleitung mit 5 Schritten, um seine persönlichen Informationen zu schützen. Aber auch aktuelle Informationen zu neuen Updates und Programmen gibt es hier. Aktuell wurde über [...]

  • http://blogs.blackberry.com Douglas tr0n Soltys

    Thanks for the suggestion. Keep in mind that guidelines for strong passwords assume an unlimited number of attempts, whereas BlackBerry smartphones only allow 10 attempts. Many “weak” passwords are actually quite strong on BlackBerry smartphones.

  • ohwilleke

    Strong passwords only make sense when the primary purpose of them is to keep a serious password hacker out. This is not the purpose of a blackberry password.

    The purpose of a blackberry password is to (1) prevent embarassing pocket phone incidents, and (2) to discourage random strangers from being tempted to try to use your phone when they find it in a public place. It is the moral equivalent of a white picket fence that isn't locked around your house. It prevents accidental entry and defines territory, rather than keeping out determined criminals.

    The “ten attempts” limit for a blackberry also makes an otherwise fairly weak password much stronger. Anything other than a default password with more than one or two characters that doesn't rely on context present on the physical phone itself is very hard for a random person in possession of the phone to crack in ten guesses. On a blackberry, where the keyboard is tiny, a strong password is a problem because it makes a “false negative” (i.e. inability to enter the right password keeping the true owner out) to likely.

    For some reason on my T-mobile based Blackberry 8700g, the settings require a password reset every week with at least five characters. This would make sense in a large enterprise with high turnover and juicy secrets to protect. It makes no sense for someone in a small enterprise who wants to avoid accidentally dialing clients, and wants to prevent innocent but tempted waiters from using an inadvertantly left behind phones.

  • Cathy

    i have a bberry bold the latest model. but when somebody calls me from my contact, their number appear. How do i remove that? I just want the name to appear not their phone number for privacy and security reason

  • BlackBerryHelp_Pavel

    Hi,

    I would suggest checking out this article on how to enable content protection for your BlackBerry smartphone. http://tr.im/IQh2

  • mosi

    Nice one but at the moment if i may put this down cant we track the handheld if it is missing or beta still render it over the air, with out bar-code number, pin and imei details.
    Also i notice that the new v5.0 is cool but issues with the sms format when upgraded on other devices like the storm1,bold1

  • Dathan

    Thank You.

  • christopherfullerton

    Hi all,
    I have the Blackberry Pearl 8220, I have noticed this past week that whenever I try to Backup from the
    Desktop Manager the BACKUP FUNCTION IS GREYED OUT.
    I am using V4.6 Software which worked fine before.
    The problem is happening on both my office pc an the home one also.
    The usb ports are deteting the Blackberry but cannot show the PIN.
    Device Connected(pin):None.
    The phone is working fine otherwise.

    Any suggestions will be appreciated.
    Thanks.

  • BlackBerryHelp_Pavel

    Hi,

    I would recommend trying the following knowledge base article to get the BlackBerry smartphone connected.

    Link: http://www.blackberry.com/btsc/KB00125

    Thanks

  • btoker

    To Whom It May Concern:
    Question:
    What does it mean if someone sent me a message from their Blackberry phone & 1. The heading says: <$RemoveOnDelivery,Suppress,SaveInSentItems>,
    2. Next line: BLACKBERRYMESSENGERINVITESTAGE2
    3. where the message would appear shows:
    ————
    << no text >>

    ————o————-
    48: AQEBAAEIBAACTZavJQAACAEAAwAAAAQAAAUAAAYAAAcAAFA=

    Thanks in advance for your help with this important matter,
    Belinda

  • R -puzzled

    Hey Alex.
    I wish to backup in print or other format the data stored in the Password Keeper. And to be able to retrieve other then with another BB from the Desk Manager.
    Any more productive way than just write up or print item by item on a different media ?

  • Dennis Torre

    How do customers protect their numbers when a forwarded text message is sent with thier number? For instance, if I send a text to someone who has a Blackberry if they forward the text my number is forwarded with it. How, if at all, can I prevent that?

  • Janet Solomon

    My daughter and i just lost all our data on our blackberrys – we went to this web site to download the backup program for MACs. In my case, the program froze and sent a message to unplug the device and then said oh – you have lost everything! My carrier is replacing the phone in 3 days – so right now I have no phone.In my daughter's case, she supposedly backed up everything only to find that all of her contacts were gone and certain parts of the bb program – such as setting up email accounts, etc. I am so angry – and very frustrated. There is no excuse for having corrupt software download from the Blackberry website.

  • Brian

    Dennis,
    When sending a picture, text, email or anything to any other phone, add each recipient with the BCC option. This is a blind carbon copy, works the same way email does on any server.

  • BlackBerryHelp_Pavel

    Hello,

    Have you completed a restore of the backed up data on the BlackBerry smartphone.

    Link: http://bit.ly/cr5piO

    Thank you

  • Bill

    Hi
    I had my blackberry bold freeze on a wierd screen. I took it to the company I bought it from, and they said they would have to reset the phone and I would loose all info. So I said that is fine, at least I saved my phone. Well they did the full reset, and all my info is gone. Or so I thought, all my photos and videos are still there. My question is there a way to retrieve my contacts. I did not back up I was in the process of updating my phone software when it froze (yes i should have backed up before) but I did not.
    So can I get all those back. Help please

  • moh2010

    I have a black berry curve and I receive a 2 messages first 1 the title was ” Super hacker ” and the second message was saying “your pictures and numbers have been copied” but I deleted them both and I didn't do any registry for my e-mail.
    Please tell me can this be real or an only a joke.
    Thank You

  • muhammadchaudhery

    Dear Sir,
    I have purchased one blackberry bold 97 but hardluck is locked by UAE TELECOM company which means it could be used in UAE only, but i want to use it in PAKISTAN for that lock must required too be opned through UAE TELECOM company which they are saying it's stopped to unlock.Furthermore, I have tried through mobile market to unlock it but 10 optiones used in trying to open it but useless. Could you please advise to further what can i do for unlock?
    Best regards
    MUHAMMAD IQBAL
    COMBOH@ HOTMAIL.COM

  • Saad Blackberry

    Hello Mr. Alex M

    I need to ask you about the CLI malfunctioning of the newly released BB 9700. When a caller calls you CLI shows you the information of the last call you received and when you disconnect your call, then you can see the caller ID in call logs.
    Solution???????

    How can we physically select “NO” to include contacts clause present in Security Options>>Encryption with disabling all after doing the above mentioned operation?????

  • BlackBerryHelp_Pavel

    Hello,

    I would recommend searching your PC for *.ipd extensions files to see if the BlackBerry Desktop Manager made a back up by default. If there are no back ups the contacts can not be restored to the BlackBerry smartphone. Photos and Videos are stored on the Media Card and were not affected during the reload/wipe of the BlackBerry smarpthone.

    Thank you

  • BlackBerryHelp_Pavel

    Hello,

    Here is an article that should help you with your malware questions. http://bit.ly/aLwJFD

    Thank you

  • douglanod

    HEY'…I will make this quick..my car was broken into the person stole my cell and other items is there anyway i can track it or shut it down from use..for the even greater reason my car was severly damaged when they entered plzzzzz help to find or shut this person off my cell

  • BlackBerryHelp_Pavel

    Hello,

    I would recommend contacting your wireless service provider to report the BlackBerry smartphone stolen. Also if you are on the BlackBerry Enterprise Server through your work you can contact your BlackBerry Enterprise Server Administrator as well.

    Thank you

  • donaldbrown

    I have a Curve 8310 and even when i delete my text messages some, very few messages do not delete and can be accessed via the home page. whats up

  • Shivanand

    Hi,

    I have recently misplaced my Blackberry Strom handset and would like to know if the phone can be tracked by the one who found it and may be using. can you please advise how can i trace my phone back???

  • BlackBerryHelp_Pavel

    Hi,

    You will need to clear the SMS messages database on your BlackBerry smartphone using the BlackBerry Desktop Manager. Open the BlackBerry Desktop Manager and click on Backup and Restore, connect your BlackBerry smartphone and click on Advanced. Locate the SMS messages database on the right hand side and select clear (keep in mind this will delete all of your SMS messages). Test the BlackBerry smartphone.

    Thank you

  • Guest

    If you had a corporate phone and they wiped it, would the person who may find your old phone be able to download your pictures? Does sprint/carrier have to report to you if someone tries to activate your lost phone just in case you can get your chip and download your pictures? If my corporate blackberry server got turned on again and I have a different phone, will I be able to get my pictures?

  • donaldbrown

    Yes that works but next time I get a text then I delete it and its not showing in the text messages but the header remains under text messages on the home page and the message won't delete till I remove the battery

  • Lourence

    Hi, i have a blackberry 8520 curve. i want to set it so i can download my work emails as im away on business alot. I dont have a contract and work on prepaid. Is there any way that i can syncronize my blackberry to my desktop when it comes to emails, or do i have to be on contract to do that. Someone told me i cant and have to be on contract to get access to blackberry enterprise server.
    Thanking you.

  • BlackBerryHelp_Pavel

    Hello,

    In this case we can try to reload the software on the BlackBerry smartphone to make sure it is running the latest version and there are no issues with the OS.

    To do this we would need to back up the BlackBerry smartphone. Please open the BlackBerry Desktop Manager and connect your BlackBerry smartphone. Click on the Backup and Restore button and select Back Up. Please note the location where the backup is being saved as we will need to access it later to restore the BlackBerry smartphone.

    Once you have backed up your BlackBerry smartphone please follow the link below to complete a clean reload of the BlackBerry smartphone software.

    Link: http://www.blackberry.com/btsc/KB11320

    Test the BlackBerry smartphone before restoring the backup.

    Thank you

  • BlackBerryHelp_Pavel

    Hello,

    You are not able to synchronize your existing emails from your PC to your BlackBerry smartphone. You can subscribe to BlackBerry Data Packages with your wireless service provider and start receiving your new email on your BlackBerry smartphone.

    Thank you

  • James

    I just received an BB message from RIM…The message is:

    Hello, greetings from RIM (Research In Motion) proprietors of BlackBerry. This message is to inform all of our users, that our servers have recently been really full, so we are asking for your help to fix this problem. We need our active users to re-send this message to confirm our active users that use BlackBerry Messenger, if you do not send this message to all your BlackBerry Messenger contacts then your account will remain inactive with the consequence of losing all your contacts.

    We apologize for the inconvenience but this is the only way possible to resolve this problem. Sincerely Research In Motion. For more information visit: http://www.blackberry.com/inactiveusers.

    It is for real or is it spam?

  • magaly26

    hello, since this morning i've been getting the same message on my bbm from all my contacts. It's originally from RIM and the message states that the RIM server is full and that in order to fix that problem all the BBM users have to forward the message to all their contacts. if not,the account will be considered as inactive and all contacts will be deleted. Is that true or spam. I'm in Haiti. thank you for your help.

  • amanda egan

    I have a Blackberry storm 2 which only allows me to open an corperate enterprise email account. I have been trying to find a way around this but am at a loss. The company I bought it from wont help or refund – can you please help?
    02076359374

  • pilar

    Great. But i don't know how to set either password neither quick or standard. I am afraid I put the password and I won't be able to open my Bold Bberry.

  • BlackBerryHelp_Pavel

    Hi,

    Can you please specify your issue a little bit more. What are you having issues with?

    Thank you.

  • BlackBerryHelp_Pavel

    Hello,

    You can make sure that you select an easy to remember password and set the password attempts to 10 max.

    Thank you

  • dicky

    is there a repair center in england i can send my bb9000 to please

  • shir

    hi, i'm a new user and i found that some weather chanelss were dounloaded without me doing it.
    in adition i really like the option to ramotly find my fhone or doun load data, the qwestion is, how do i know how to trust?
    thank you very much
    shir

  • BlackBerryHelp_Pavel

    Hello,

    You will need to contact your wireless service provider. You can also check out this link as well.

    Link: http://uk.blackberry.com/partners/dealer.jsp

    Thank you

  • Uduak Jacob

    My son played with my blackberry and what i discover is that when i enter my pass word,instead of the pass word entering in asteric form,its either in letters or digit – what should i do?

  • Shay

    I dropped my blackberry 9000 and now my screen is white and I can't see anything; but, it still rings and i'm able to talk, but how do I get my contacts and pics?????????PLEASE HELP

  • BlackBerryHelp_Pavel

    Hi,

    I would recommend looking at the following article.

    Link: http://bit.ly/cdhXAQ

    Thanks

  • BlackBerryHelp_Pavel

    Hello,

    You will need to connect your BlackBerry smartphone to a computer using the BlackBerry Desktop Manager software found here: http://na.blackberry.com/eng/services/desktop/

    Once installed you can backup the BlackBerry smartphone and you can also synchronize the BlackBerry smartphone link: http://bit.ly/aCUgGt

    Thank you

  • ed

    can a sms txt msg be tracked on a bes or exchange server?

  • BlackBerryHelp_Pavel

    Hello,
    Hello,

    If the BlackBerry smartphone is connected to a BlackBerry Enterprise Server then all activity can be tracked/logged by the BlackBerry Enterprise Server.

    Thank you.
    If the BlackBerry smartphone is connected to a BlackBerry Enterprise Server then all activity can be tracked/logged by the BlackBerry Enterprise Server.

    Thank you.

  • Helen Pemberton

    I just received an BB message from RIM… I want to know if this is for real or spam? The message is:

    Hello, greetings from RIM (Research In Motion) proprietors of BlackBerry. This message is to inform all of our users, that our servers have recently been really full, so we are asking for your help to fix this problem. We need our active users to re-send this message to confirm our active users that use BlackBerry Messenger, if you do not send this message to all your BlackBerry Messenger contacts then your account will remain inactive with the consequence of losing all your contacts.

  • http://blogs.blackberry.com Douglas tr0n Soltys

    The message is most definitely not real Helen! Keep your BBM friends happy and DO NO RESEND!

  • leah

    all my deleted pictures reloaded onto my blackberry; how do i get them off?
    i click on delete and it dosent delete them

  • Eva

    Hi! One question. I added a messenger contact and I received an e-mail reply with the followin message:

    <$RemoveOnDelivery,SuppressSaveInSentItems> BLACKBERRYMESSENGERINVITESTAGE2

    What does it mean?
    Many thanks!

  • BlackBerryHelp_Pavel

    Hi,

    Where did the pictures come from? When you say reloaded what was done?

    Thank you

  • BlackBerryHelp_Pavel

    Hi,

    This is an invite email that you receive when invited to the BlackBerry Messenger by email. It gets deleted automatically once it is processed by the BlackBerry Messenger Application. This only works as long as that email address is integrated on your BlackBerry smartphone.

    Thank you.

  • NDanger580

    my phone is now telling me I am in ” safe Mode” what or how did that happen

  • Lsmit109

    Did you ever get an answer to this question?

  • sandra

    My son has set a password and now can't remember it. Does factory settings just mean losing HIS data of all the data on the phone. He only has numbers and pictures/music on it and this would be a better option than the panic he's in right now
    Thanks for reading
    Sandra

  • Trudie

    i have a blackberry bold 9700 and i left it on the table while i was watching tv! when i picked it up it asked me to tyoe blackbeery and a password>when i type my screen unlocking password it does not work and now it tells me i have one last attempt before it wipes my phone clean! please someone help i do not have my information backed up and do not know what to do and my blackberry is my work! please need help

  • BlackBerryHelp_Pavel

    Hi,

    Check out this article about starting your BlackBerry smartphone in safe mode.

    Link: http://www.blackberry.com/btsc/KB17877

    Thank you

  • BlackBerryHelp_Pavel

    Hi,

    This is an invite email that you receive when invited to the BlackBerry Messenger by email. It gets deleted automatically once it is processed by the BlackBerry Messenger Application. This only works as long as that email address is integrated on your BlackBerry smartphone.

    Thank you.

  • BlackBerryHelp_Pavel

    Hello,

    A security wipe will delete all the data from the BlackBerry smartphone. Any information stored on the Media Card will not be impacted.

    Thank you

  • Rianas

    Elo… Please advise whether there is a forensically sound way of obtaining the password of a Blackberry, it not could you please explain why.

    Kind regards

    Riana
    Digital Forensic Consultant

  • Colombia110

    Sir i have already wasted all my 10 chances on my blackberry storm 2 9550 and its still not unlock.Is there a way i can unlock it again??????????

  • btoker

    No.

    This information acts as if I have a BlackBerry & how to keep that phone safe. Bottom line is this person taped into my home computer, facebook, etc via their Blackberry.

    Please advise what the below information means? Was it picked up by security & that is what the symbols Imply???

  • BlackBerryHelp_Pavel

    Hi,

    You have to input the correct password in order to unlock the BlackBerry smartphone.

    Thank you

  • Rachellxx0

    how will i be able to save my numbers on my blackberry to something else so i dont lose my number when i get a new phone.

  • Josimac

    I accidently deleted all my contacts/photos on my blackberry and never saved them on a computer. Is there anyway I can retreive this lost information. It wiped everything out.

  • BlackBerryHelp_Pavel

    Hi,

    You can backup your BlackBerry smartphone using the BlackBerry Desktop Manager. Also you can synchronize your BlackBerry smartphone with a computer to save your data in an organizer application such as Microsoft Outlook or Windows Mail.

    Synchronization Link: http://www.blackberry.com/btsc/KB17022
    How to Backup Link:http://www.blackberry.com/btsc/KB12487

    Thank you

  • Ladylipgloss

    hi i was trying to set a blackberry acc on the internet as my trackerball went on phone,i was asked for a divice code ,no one in o2 or blackberry its self could give me the correct no, i had 1 last chance so i left it , anyway my phone came back to life so i enterd my password and to my shock it started to wipe everthing on it ,when it was done it came up on my screen ,sayong reload softwares 513 ?????????? i run my own buissness and all my contacts are on it ,is there anyway of retreving this back i would be completly lost without this , thanks

  • BlackBerryHelp_Pavel

    Hi,

    The only way to retrieve your information is if you have an older backup that you can restore using the BlackBerry Desktop Manager.

    Thank you

  • BlackBerryHelp_Pavel

    Hi,

    You can backup your BlackBerry smartphone using the BlackBerry Desktop Manager. Also you can synchronize your BlackBerry smartphone with a computer to save your data in an organizer application such as Microsoft Outlook or Windows Mail.

    Synchronization Link: http://www.blackberry.com/btsc/KB17022
    How to Backup Link:http://www.blackberry.com/btsc/KB12487

    Thank you

  • Ladylipgloss

    hi i was trying to set a blackberry acc on the internet as my trackerball went on phone,i was asked for a divice code ,no one in o2 or blackberry its self could give me the correct no, i had 1 last chance so i left it , anyway my phone came back to life so i enterd my password and to my shock it started to wipe everthing on it ,when it was done it came up on my screen ,sayong reload softwares 513 ?????????? i run my own buissness and all my contacts are on it ,is there anyway of retreving this back i would be completly lost without this , thanks

  • BlackBerryHelp_Pavel

    Hi,

    The only way to retrieve your information is if you have an older backup that you can restore using the BlackBerry Desktop Manager.

    Thank you

  • Peter

    Is there a way to get all my saved info after loosing all saved phone number while trying to input my password after 10 tries?

  • Jrochelle76

    if you delete your call logs and SMS logs can it or is it saved anywhere else in your phone?

  • Erwindus

    Since the new OS for my BB9700 (5.0.0.743), the top left key (LOCK) has lost it's ability to also password protect your device. The only option to have it 'secured' is to set the password delay to the shortest possible setting of 1 minute.

    To me this new and 'improved' setting within the OS is in sharp contrast with your text.

    Please help me (and others, see the several forums that exist) to have this important feature implemented again. It could be an easy checkbox somewhere in the password/security settings

  • Ciollo1

    Hi I received a new BB8520 in replacement of my old BB8520 (which was not properly working).
    I did the “10 wrong password” wipe on the old device.

    I was not interested in the backup of the old data, so did not do backup.

    just 3 questions:

    - are my sms tex messages finally wiped out so that no one can possibly retrieve them again (i.e. a new user or the IT dept)?

    - are my emails, contacts, notes, etc finally wiped out as well?

    - as we are on a BES, will my new emails keep being sent (in duplicate form if so) also to my old device, once someone turns it on after dropping a SIM card in it (assuming the new user works for my same company)

    best regards and thanks in advance for yr response

  • Billy

    Is there a way to password protect photos you have on your BB?

  • Fermin1275

    i would like to know if there is a way to put a password on my media

  • Amit M

    Hi Alex,

    Just read your post after i reached it through search. I wanted to ask you one query. If i get a content protection enabled message in my SMS box, does it mean that my administrator is able to read the messages? will he also read my PIN messages? (We have a corporate BES Administrator).

    Appreciate your feedback and thank you in advance for your time.

    Best Regards
    Amit M.

  • BlackBerryHelp_Pavel

    Hello,

    BlackBerry smartphone that is connected to a BlackBerry Enterprise Server can be fully monitored/logged. This is at the control of the BlackBerry Enterprise Server Administrator and your companies policies. If you are concerned with what is being monitored/logged I would recommend discussing this with them.

    Thank you

  • Anonymous

    Hello,

    There is no way around the password protection. If you enter it wrong the 10th time your information will be erased this is by design.

    Thank you

  • Nunu_badchick449

    My blackberry got wiped out for typing the wrong password in 10 times. Now there is a white screen that says reload software 513. And i was wondering can i reload my software with a usb transfer.Please let me know soon because i really like this phone. Thank You.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_G2AOD4LKOJ5UQHDNX7KCAUD2WM Mariana

    Hi, I noticed that when I use yahoo on my blackberry even after I have closed yahoo, just by pressing the return or go back key, you can get into the account that I officially just exited. Can someone do this also remote?

    secondly, i just found out that our office server to which my blackberry is connected through can be accessed by remote by our technician. Does this mean he can read my yahoo mail in addition to my office mail? Help am lost?

  • Anonymous

    Hey Mariana,
    The BlackBerry can not be accessed remotely,I would would suggest contacting your technician regarding this issue.

  • Fixento

    It’s bull, blackberry sync wiped out contact note although the sync was set not to allow blackberry to anything. This is the second time, I’m the customer I don’t expect blackberry to do their job. They don’t and I’m going to change serviceds and dump the POS blackberery Tour in the trash.

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