The new BlackBerry products intended to win back corporate clients have not passed the UK government’s security tests.
The Canadian manufacturer unveiled its new BlackBerry 10 (BB10) operating system in January, and the first device, the touchscreen Z10, is already on the market.
While its previous operating system, BlackBerry 7.1, was passed as good enough for “Restricted”, two levels below “Secret”, the UK government’s Communications-Electronics Security Group (CESG) have failed the BB10, reports the Guardian.
A BlackBerry statement said: “We have a long-established relationship with CESG and we remain the only mobile solution approved for use at ‘Restricted’ when configured in accordance with CESG guidelines.”
“This level of approval only comes following a process which is rigorous and absolutely necessary given the highly confidential nature of the communications being transmitted.”
BlackBerry currently supplies devices to the UK government and the National Health Service, amounting to thousands of clients.
If the security failures stop the UK government and other corporate clients from using their products then it could have a disastrous impact on its business strategy.
