Comments on: Why Obama Losing His Blackberry Is Asinine

By: BlackBerry Unlocked Phone

BlackBerry Unlocked Phone — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 04:27:13 +0000

Wow, what a great resource! Thanks for sharing this

By: Rich Chuckrey

Rich Chuckrey — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 12:51:05 +0000

I'd say you could kill GPS by turning it off at the device. But, I'm
still hedging my bet that triangulating isn't that movie-like. Check
this 2002 MIT article out: Cell
phone locator system holds promise for new 911 service

If that's an article from 2002, consider where the technology might be
at today....

By: darian

darian — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 07:55:52 +0000

Here is another thread on the topic of tracking a blackberry signal with some interesting points: http://community.discovery.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f...

By: Joshua Jones

Joshua Jones — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 02:48:33 +0000

I agree with Scott on this one. I see many of the points people are making, but you guys seem to have passed over Scott's argument, or challenge to our government. Rather than take the easy route, find a solution that will allow the President to continue doing what is common place today.

The majority of us would feel like we lost a limb if we lost our iPhones or laptops. The government should find a solution to the proposed security threats listed by other users above.

By: Scott Jarkoff

Scott Jarkoff — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:30:30 +0000

I addressed that in my response to Darian – in short, quick and easy triangulation is something you only see in movies. Again, though, this boils down to proper implementation of requisite security protocols.

If there is a triangulation concern because, say, POTUS is stationary – merely implement a policy which ensures the device is turned off at all times, with the exception of the time necessary to download new data. The RF signal can simply be shutdown, mitigating any potential triangulation threat.

It all comes back to ensuring security is foremost on everyone's mind!

By: Rich Chuckrey

Rich Chuckrey — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:11:39 +0000

I commented 'for' the Blackberry up in this thread. But, Darian raised a great point — forcing me to rethink it: What about the tracking of his Blackberry signal for say, terrorism? Assassination? How can his staff solve that dilemma?

By: darian

darian — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:35:21 +0000

This sounds like a case for MythBusters. At the very least, maybe a good plot for the next season of 24. "Watch Jack foil a terrorist plot to hack into the president's GPS enabled BlackBerry, turn it on while the president sleeps, and fire a missile into the White House following the GPS signal. Tonight at 9!"

By: Gregroy

Gregroy — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:18:16 +0000

This is the freakin' President of the United States you're talking about here. Even if you get the security right, there is simply too much potential for human error, which could result in danger to his life. They'll never let him keep such a thing.

By: Scott Jarkoff

Scott Jarkoff — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:12:26 +0000

Maybe he wants an iPhone? :P

By: Scott Jarkoff

Scott Jarkoff — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:11:48 +0000

That is not possible in real life, only in the movies. Triangulation is not as cut and dry as they make it look in movies like Eagle Eye, etc.

There certainly are additional security risks outside a password breach. The device will most likely be riddled with unclassified but sensitive information which the government would not want leaked. This data could potentially be exploited if the Blackberry is not properly secured.

Not completely foolproof but definitely there is a way to get the risks to a manageable level methinks.

By: Scott Jarkoff

Scott Jarkoff — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:09:52 +0000

I do not disagree – all handhelds are risky devices. However, I still think that should not preclude his staff of providing solution to this dilemma. There is certainly a way to allow Obama to continue to function with a Blackberry while mitigating as much of the risk so that it is manageable.

That's what information security is all about – managing risk.

By: scott_cornett

scott_cornett — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:07:21 +0000

I am sorry, I disagree. Blackberries are extremely risky and very exploitable—an abomination!!! However, if he uses it like he would use a pay phone, a post card, or a clear radio transmission. With the clear understanding that “it will be intercepted” with absolute certainty, then I think he should be able to keep it. I agree the issue of PRA is absolute nonsense all emails go through the BES and the exchange servers which need to be recorded anyways.

By: Darian Wilson

Darian Wilson — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:02:13 +0000

I read Techmiso because I am not a tech, so please excuse in advance the occasional ignorant post. However, thinking out loud here, we have all seen the movie where they triangulate the bad guy's position from his cell phone. Could a terrorist, spy or assassin not do the same from Obama's Blackberry? If not that, are there other security risks beyond a password breach that we might be missing here? Just a thought…???

By: Rich Chuckrey

Rich Chuckrey — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 01:42:53 +0000

Totally agree. I'm sure Barack is a big boy and can handle is national security responsibility. Give him a set of rules [just like any other Blackberry user] and let him use the damn thing. What's the big deal?

By: Rich Chuckrey

Rich Chuckrey — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 01:42:36 +0000

Totally agree. I'm sure Barrack is a big boy and can handle is national security responsibility. Give him a set of rules [just like any other Blackberry user] and let him use the damn thing. What's the big deal?

By: Fetus_over_easy

Fetus_over_easy — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 01:10:18 +0000

He needs to contact the NRA ASAP. I believe there is a Blackberry and iPod clause in the phrase "pry it from my cold dead hands"

By: Scott Jarkoff

Scott Jarkoff — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 10:19:32 +0000

Completely agreed. It's time to pull their heads out of their collective asses and start working solutions rather than roadblocks!

By: Scott Jarkoff

Scott Jarkoff — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 10:18:34 +0000

Indeed, it is pretty apparent the guys are unable to wrap their heads around such a simple idea. Now I work network security for the government and would be very hesitant as well. However, we're talking unclassified email, not classified.

Above and beyond that, if implemented properly, the largest security risks are quite easy to mitigate methinks!

By: Mom/Lorri

Mom/Lorri — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 10:16:55 +0000

I hope he continues to fight the cause, also, and I think he will continue. There hasn't been an issue like this before, regarding a president and his "Blackberry", etc. Times have changed, and the "good old boys" need to get their heads out of their you-know-whats.

By: Xypha

Xypha — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 09:34:30 +0000

It does seem like potential risk is as good as 100% exploitable risk in their eyes. This mixture of tech and tech ignorance is painful to watch. It could be a hard thing for the old boys in the government to wrap their heads around.