BlackBerry Secure Work Space Receives US DoD Security Clearance For iOS And Android

The security credentials of BlackBerry Secure Work Space, a feature within BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10 (BES 10) which separates corporate and personal data and apps on iOS and Android devices, have been enhanced after it received Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) approval from the US Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA).

This paves the way for Android smartphones and tablets, iPhones and iPads to be used on US Department of Defense (DoD) networks, alongside devices running BlackBerry 10, which the Canadian manufacturer says is the only platform to have Full Operational Capacity (FOC) on DoD networks.

Secure Work Space brings many features of BlackBerry Balance, which effectively creates two separate containers on BlackBerry 10 handsets, one for corporate and one for personal use, to iOS and Android smartphones.

BlackBerry Secure Work Space

By separating business data and applications from the rest of the phone, administrators are able to manage and secure corporate assets on the handset while still allowing employees to enjoy freedom to use their devices without any restrictions.

BlackBerry says its latest security certification is evidence that the Canadian manufacturer remains the best provider of security for government organisations and regulated industries.

“The STIG approval for Secure Work Space for iOS and Android is another validation that enterprises and government agencies can rely on BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10 for secure mobility, no matter which devices they have in the field,” says BlackBerry enterprise head John Sims.

BlackBerry was once leading the smartphone market, with its security features valued by enterprise and government customers. However its phones have become increasingly undesirable while Android and iOS have closed the gap in terms of management capabilities, eroding the Waterloo-based firm’s market share.

The company was put up for sale last year but after failing to find a buyer, instead agreed a new finance package and appointed John Chen as CEO. Chen implemented a new recovery plan centred around management, messaging and security services, QNX-embedded systems and high-end smartphones for businesses – the majority of which will have keyboards.

Chen announced earlier this week that the restructure was complete and there would be no more layoffs at the company, which has seen its workforce reduced from 17,500 to 7,000.

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