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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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Prez's Pimped-Out BlackBerry Nearly Ready

The NSA begins final tests on encryption software this month

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(Newser) – President Obama’s super-secure, high-powered new BlackBerry could soon get the thumbs-up from the National Security Agency, which is about to begin final tests on its encryption software. The president could be texting, emailing, calling and Facebooking other high-security personnel—like Michelle O.—within months, the Washington Times reports, replacing a jury-rigged setup with the top-secret version of BlackBerry’s 8830.

Since his inauguration, Obama has used a regular BlackBerry plugged into another NSA-provided handheld called a Sectera Edge, making it quite cumbersome. Software called SecureVoice, developed by Genesis Key, can turn any BlackBerry 8830 or Curve into a device meeting Top Secret clearance levels without fear of information being intercepted by foreign governments or hackers.

President Barack Obama checks his BlackBerry as he walks toward the Oval Office, Jan. 29, 2009.
President Barack Obama checks his BlackBerry as he walks toward the Oval Office, Jan. 29, 2009.   (AP Photo)
In this July 7, 2008, file photo, then-Democratic candidate Barack Obama checks his BlackBerry.
In this July 7, 2008, file photo, then-Democratic candidate Barack Obama checks his BlackBerry.   (AP Photo)
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With the recent foreign cybersecurity threats it is important that President has a BlackBerry that is completely secure at the top-secret level.
- Gary S. Elliott, chief information assurance officer at Genesis Key

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4 comments
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sache
Apr 23, 09 11:53 AM CDT
"Pimped Out" Blackberry? Washington Times couldn't find another description for the president's blackberry. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
NutsInNY
Apr 23, 09 12:35 PM CDT
It never crossed my mind.
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SPH
Apr 23, 09 3:27 PM CDT
Do not underestimate hackers..... Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
atris999
Apr 24, 09 3:52 AM CDT
what's that? 5 terabytes of super secret weapons development plans? Natch!
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