Newsletter
BlackBerry has updated its DTEK by BlackBerry application with a complete overhaul on the U.I. side and new features for vulnerability point scanning with notifications. For those who may not aware, the security-forward software provides users of the company’s Android-powered handsets with an easy-to-read oversight of their device’s security. It measures that by gauging password usage, apps and permissions settings, and more. All of that is compiled into a single app interface to help users exert informed control over their smartphone in a bid to uphold BlackBerry’s reputation for privacy and security. With the latest update to version 1.1.10.510, the most noticeable change is going to be the brand new homepage. Previously, information was displayed in a pre-configured order for various metrics. After the update, the most important information will be displayed first, with subsequent items displayed by order of importance based on urgency in terms of keeping a device private and secure.
Changes to the app’s notifications have been made as well. For example, the app will now show notifications when an application is accessing sensitive permissions despite not being actively used by the device owner. That will allow users to see which apps are accessing what and when just a bit more quickly. The app also now classifies access permissions pertaining to Camera, Mic, and Phone as being sensitive. Alongside those alterations to the app, users now have the ability to set an automatic scan on a weekly basis or to run a manual scan from directly inside the app. That means they can more readily check for previously overlooked issues at any time, with a more proactive scan happening on a regular basis.
This marks just the latest in a long run of updates and new partnerships formed by BlackBerry in the attempt to spread its security-focused solutions. Among those, the company has announced several new licensing deals to incorporate BlackBerry security into other technologies. However, in this case, the application is only available to BlackBerry handsets running Android 6.0 Marshmallow or later. At very least, this should help those who own BlackBerry Android devices keep their personal information and smartphone quite a bit more secure than it would otherwise be. The app update should be rolling out over the next few days.
