‘BlackBerrys do pose a threat’

The affirmation comes in wake of all the heat that the government has been facing for arm-twisting RIM (Research In Motion) ‒ the makers of BlackBerry phones and data services ‒ as critics claim the phones do not pose a threat to security.

According to reports, what the Indian security agencies are demanding is, access to data transmitted through BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) and BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) ‒ put simply, emails and instant messages (IMs) sent by BlackBerry users and transmitted through RIM’s own servers.



‘But BlackBerrys are not a threat!’
The source, on condition of anonymity, told IBNS that this data, like any other electronic communication, is merely a "possible" way for terrorists to communicate.

“The difference in this case is that this data is routed through RIM’s proprietary servers located in North America.� he said.

According to him, other companies which provide email and IM services, maintain servers within Indian territory and cooperate with the security agencies when a query is made to them.

“iPhones, Nokia mobiles, all use email services based on third parties like Google or Yahoo. On the other hand, BlackBerrys commercially provide email services that pass through their own proprietary servers,� he said.

He said this is why Indian security bodies, including the Intelligence Bureau and the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO), are seeking access to the encrypted data.



‘But terrorists would never choose a BlackBerry!’
Critics, however, say BlackBerrys are not a probable choice for terrorists anyway, since these connections are far less disposable than other mobile connections or email accounts from Gmail and Yahoo Mail.

The counter to this, he said, is the fact the SMSs and voice calls made within our country are quite accessible to law enforcement agencies. In fact even emails sent from popular email service providers can be accessed upon request.

“Though it’s not like BlackBerrys are the only means of an encrypted communication which are comparatively inaccessible to Indian agencies, but they are a considerable choice for people who pose a threat,� he said.

And the request is not uncommon, and definitely not unnatural. Many security agencies all over the world, especially those belonging to the United States, already have access to the data said the source.



‘But terrorists don’t actually ‘send’ emails!’
And what about the theory that terrorists do not actually send emails, and instead, leave saved messages in the ‘Drafts folder’ of mailboxes for their associates to log in from elsewhere and read, thus not letting the cops ‘intercept’ the communication?

“That’s all rubbish,� he said, “These are movie plot-based theories. If you’re using Gmail and you save the message but don’t send it, the data is still stored in Google servers right? And Google has servers in India. One can figure out the rest.�



‘But why is India so fussed anyway?’
“I don’t know if you have heard of ECHELON or not, but with that, US and UK security agencies have access to almost all electronic communication globally, including BlackBerry mails and IMs,� he said.

Even though credible data about it is hard to come by, ECHELON is believed to be an intelligent digital signal collection and analysis network operated on behalf of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

ECHELON is a cyber-paranoid’s worst nightmare. To put it succinctly, ECHELON can reportedly access, intercept and analyse all communication data transmitted through commercial satellites.

He said for India, it’s not an ego issue. But it is more like ‘having tenants and not knowing what they do for a living’.

On its part, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday, asked the Canada-based phone-makers RIM, as well as the telecom operators, to provide a technical solution by August 31 or face a ban.