New security patch protects BlackBerry business users

Posted by Caitlin on June 10th, 2009

Research in Motion recently released a security patch to repair a vulnerability in the software on some BlackBerry smartphones. This particular vulnerability occurs in the PDF distiller program, and only impacts consumers that use BlackBerry Enterprise Server, versions 4.1 through 5.0. Unpatched, it could allow hackers to send BlackBerry users emails with specially crafted PDF attachments containing malware designed to steal data. The patch itself, along with further details, can be found on the BlackBerry support forum.

As smartphones become even more popular and increasingly powerful and complex, they will draw more attention from hackers and identity thieves. Until more robust security software is made available for smartphones, users should be vigilant when it comes to security patches like this one, and consider investing in an identity theft protection service.