How can I secure my BlackBerry?

Username:
Password:

Note: For information on securing a BlackBerry 10 device, see How can I secure my BlackBerry 10 device?

To secure the data on your mobile device, you should always use a pattern, PIN, passcode, or password to lock your device. If your device is lost or stolen, this precaution can prevent others from accessing your email, calendar, contacts, and other data. See How can I protect data on my mobile device?

Important: The IU Mobile Security Device Standard (IT-12.1) requires the use of data encryption on handheld devices used to access, store, or manipulate critical information at IU. Such use also requires "written approval from the senior executive of the unit involved or the Institutional Review Board confirming a critical business need".

Setting a password

Select Options > Security.
Next to "Password", highlight the word Disable and click the trackwheel. Select Change Option and then Enable.
Enter your password, and then press Enter.
Note: The password must be 4 to 14 characters in length, and cannot consist of identical characters or a natural sequence (e.g., 1234 ).
Enter your password again to verify it.
Next to "Security Timeout", highlight the displayed time and click the trackwheel.
Select Change Option, and choose a reasonable time for your device to time out and lock; UITS recommends 15 minutes or less.
To exit the "Security" screen, press the Escape key. When prompted to save, select Yes.

Enabling encryption

At Indiana University, BlackBerry devices running OS 4.2 and later have AES 256-bit encryption enabled automatically when connected to the IU BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES). UITS recommends using the passcode lock and auto-wipe features in combination with encryption to heighten the security of your BlackBerry device.

Note: The BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) service will be retired by January 1, 2015; see About the BES retirement. As of January 1, 2013, no new BES accounts are being created. UITS recommends you replace your BlackBerry with a device that is ActiveSync compatible. To learn more about ActiveSync, see What is Exchange ActiveSync?

Wiping data from your device

To remove all personal data from your device, see How do I clear all personal data from my BlackBerry?

At Indiana University, if you have a BES account, you can use the BlackBerry Web Desktop Manager to lock your device or to wipe your data remotely if your device is lost or stolen; see If my BlackBerry is ever lost or stolen, how do I remotely lock or erase it?

For more about BlackBerry security, see BlackBerry Support.

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Last modified on May 03, 2013.