President Obama to get Ultra-Secure Barack Berry Phone

Photo Credit: General Dynamics Sectera Edge smartphone

There are also concerns that mobile devices such as BlackBerries, which contain built in GPS technology, could be hacked into, revealing the president's location within a few feet.

But according to reports Thursday, Obama could now be in line to receive a spy-proof alternative to his favorite toy.

Writing on his blog for the Atlantic magazine, Marc Ambinder reports that the National Security Agency has approved a $3,350 smartphone -- inevitably dubbed the "BarackBerry" -- for Obama's use.

The exclusive Sectera Edge, made by General Dynamics, is reportedly capable of encrypting top secret voice conversations and handling classified documents.

But Obama may have pushed his Secret Service handlers' technological patience far enough. Ambinder also reports that instant messaging in the White House will still be a definite no-no :(

Source: CNN
Hat Tip: Huffington Post



More from the General Dynamics website:

First Rugged Secure Smartphone

Compact and lightweight, the Sectéra Edge accommodates wear and tear from both office users securing day-to-day communications or warfighters completing a tactical mission.

The Sectéra Edge is designed to MIL-STD-810F specifications for Drop, Shock, Vibration, Operating and Storage Temperature, Temperature Shock, Water Resistance, Dust, Humidity and Altitude.

Secure Interoperability

The Sectéra Edge implements Secure Communications Interoperability Protocol (SCIP), allowing secure phone calls to be made with existing SCIP compatible devices. It also implements High Assurance Internet Protocol Encryptor Interoperability Specification (HAIPE® IS) to provide secure connectivity with classified networks (including the TACLANE® family of network encryptors).

Features

• Versatile
  • Secure and non-secure wireless phone, e-mail and web browsing
  • Withstands rigors of both tactical and everyday environments
  • Global roaming over GSM, CDMA or Wi-Fi* wireless networks
  • Software upgradeable to VoIP
  • Exchange secure e-mail with government personnel, including S/MIME BlackBerry® users
  • IPv6 software upgradeable
• Easy-to-Use
  • Familiar Microsoft® Windows® Platform
  • Wireless desktop synchronization
  • Separation of Classified and Unclassified applications
  • One-touch switching between classified and unclassified PDA functions
• Advanced Security Features
  • Secure wireless access to the SIPRNET and NIPRNET
  • DoD PKI enabled Common Access Card (CAC) support
  • Supports DoD 8100.2 requirements
  • Type 1 encrypted storage of classified data
  • Can be used inside closed areas with “SCIF-Friendly” feature