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Blackberry Bold 9000: Data Security Tips Tools and Tricks

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Can You Erase Data on a Blackberry with pliers?

We received a handful of Blackberry 9000’s to recycle and they looked like someone took pliers to the back in an attempt to “destroy” the data.  I can’t imagine a scenario where this is the solution to making a device “secure”.  And, it should be concerning the the IT or Wireless manager in charge because this did nothing to the device except pull off the protective covers to the printed circuit board (PCB).  Just about anyone with some know-how and a few basic forensic tools could pull data off of this device.

So here are some tips to help you with your data security concerns.

1.  I verified with both Sprint and RIM that when you

Master Reset a Blackberry, it defaults to factory settings and erases all data.  Nothing will remain, with the exception of the Operating System (OS).  Or, if you are a super geek, just use jl_cmder.  (Curious?  Google is your friend here.)

2.  Always, always, always remove your SIM and SD

chips before you recycle your device.  Even though your IT or Wireless manager can set your devices to not store any info or pictures on your SD card; you should still remove it.

3.  Sometimes a Blackberry won’t power on because the

battery has died.  The telltale sign is that the battery is swollen or puffy.  Snag a new battery from friend or co-worker to test if this is your issue.

4.  HULK SMASH!

You’ve just run over / stepped on / chucked your Blackberry and your screen is bleeding and/or dead.  You are unable to read the screen to verify that you are taking the correct steps to wipe or clear it.  Well, that is what your Blackberry Desktop Manager is for.

5.  Okay, but what if the usb port is dead?

Try a Bluetooth solution for data and if power is the issue, try the Blackberry Power Station or an extra battery.  (I am not going into detail; but you can at http://forums.crackberry.com/.)

6. Remote Kill

I’ll let you read this PCMag article that references all the different smart phone types and services that can remotely wipe or clear said device.

7.  What about worst-case scenarios?

The screen is dead, the usb port is dead, and I can’t get any power?  (Also, you just got back from Las Vegas and Amsterdam and you don’t remember much!  Well, take a look at the location of the on-board memory in the 9000.  Do you see the Mobile DDR blinking at the bottom of the picture?  Aim your drill bit right there and permanently “erase” your Blackberry.

In most cases, Google is your friend.  How-to guides for doing just about any modification, recovery, or data clearing is as easy as Google.  And as long as you aren’t doing anything illegal, unethical, or just downright gross; then what “security concerns” should you have?

Additional Reading

Recycling Used Cell Phones:  Yes, Even If Your Dog Chewed On It

Recycle Today:  Timely Recycling Mean More Value For Your Charity

8 tips for making mobile phone recycling easier

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1000 mobiles by Gaetan Lee via Flickr

1.  Always, always, always pull out your SIM chip and SD or mini SD card.

Today, pretty much every phone has some sort of REMOVE-able storage – so remove it before you donate or recycle your device.  That pretty much will cover all of the security concerns you may have.

2.  Do a little planning on the front end when getting your new cell phone…

as most Americas update or change cell phones every 18 months.  Point all of your storage (photos, music, phonebook) to your sim or sd chip.  All of the “how to’s” will be in your new owner’s manual.

3.  If you are one of those that are super concerned with security of your data, just master reset or master clear your device.

It has become so easy to reset or master clear your phone.  If you’ve kept your instruction manual, the steps will outlined.  If you don’t have your manual, there are hundreds or thousands of DIY videos all over the interwebs – most just a few minutes long.  Here are ours:  How to Clear My Blackberry and How to Clear My Treo.

4.  Find a cause that is bigger than just recycling.

Cells for Cells recycles cells phones to help families that are battling cancer.  Another great example of a recycling programs that does more than just recycle is Cell Phones for Soldiers.  With a solid purpose behind your efforts, more people will follow you and you end up doing more.  And if you are passionate about a cause that is not Cells for Cells, don’t let that stop you from recycling.

5.  Influence others to join you.

It is commonly accepted that cell phone recycling rates remain in the single digits.  So recycle more than one phone at a time.  Buddy Up with co-workers and friends that are inclined to recycle and get your place of employment behind you. It is way more exciting to work with your co-workers and friends for your cause (See #4).  Fill a giant box with cell phones to recycle.  Make a bigger difference for your cause.  (Oh, by the way, you know that little plastic baggie that comes with new cell phones – IGNORE IT.  It encourages people who want to recycle – to just recycle one phone – and that is not you, right?)

6.  The phone, battery and charger do not have to match.

Most recyclers separate the components, anyway.  So don’t worry if you have cells to recycle without the batteries or chargers – it all recycles just the same.

7.  Use free shipping if your program offers it – but don’t let it hold you back…

from recycling if your program does not offer to pay for your shipping.  Keep in mind that Cells for Cells wants you to recycle at least 25 cell phones before we send you a pre-paid FedEx label.  (Anyone still use the word “gumption“?  As in, “It is easy for me to collect more than 25 cell phones for recycling, because I have gumption.”)

8.  Be a giver.

Just get your old cell phone out of your office drawer or closet and give it to a program that helps others.  Give a little of your time to help promote collecting cell phones in your office.  You be the person to print off the poster “Battle Cancer with a Cell Phone” and hang it in your breakroom.  You be the person that calls FedEx to pick up the box of (more than) 25 cells you and your office buddies collected.  You be the person that helped a family that is battling cancer.