To secure President Obama's BlackBerry, the NSA developed a custom, highly-secured device nicknamed the Sectera Edge. It featured strong encryption, limited functionality (like no camera), and a heavily modified operating system to prevent malware and hacking. Only a small number of pre-screened contacts could communicate with the President through this device, and all communications were routed through secure government servers. Essentially, it was a stripped-down BlackBerry designed solely for secure communication, sacrificing features for unparalleled protection.
In a 2013 blog post titled "How Obama’s BlackBerry got secured," the author, Robin Seggelmann, delves into the intricate process by which then-President Barack Obama's BlackBerry device was meticulously fortified to meet the stringent security demands of the highest office in the United States. The article elucidates that, contrary to popular belief, President Obama was not forced to relinquish his beloved BlackBerry upon assuming the presidency, a device he was famously attached to. Instead, a concerted effort was undertaken by government agencies, including the National Security Agency (NSA), to modify and secure the device, ensuring it could be used for official communication without compromising sensitive information.
Seggelmann meticulously outlines the multifaceted approach to securing the presidential BlackBerry. This involved not just the hardware itself, but also the encompassing network infrastructure and the individuals with whom the President communicated. The hardware modifications likely involved the installation of specialized, government-grade encryption chips and software to safeguard against eavesdropping and unauthorized access. Furthermore, the device was undoubtedly limited in its functionality, potentially disabling features like cameras, location services, and the installation of third-party applications, all of which could pose security risks.
The network through which the President's BlackBerry operated was almost certainly a dedicated, highly secure, and encrypted network, separate from commercial cellular networks. This would have provided an additional layer of protection against interception and intrusion. Furthermore, communication was likely restricted to a limited circle of pre-approved individuals with similarly secured devices, minimizing the potential points of vulnerability.
The post highlights the NSA’s Sectera Edge, a heavily secured smartphone available at the time, as a potential platform for the President's modified BlackBerry. The Sectera Edge, known for its robust encryption and security features, could have served as a foundation for the custom modifications required for presidential use. While not explicitly confirmed, the article suggests the possibility that the President's BlackBerry leveraged the Sectera Edge’s underlying security architecture.
Finally, Seggelmann underscores the immense challenge in balancing the President's desire to maintain communication accessibility with the paramount need for absolute security. The article emphasizes the complex interplay of technology, policy, and practicality involved in creating a secure communication system for the President, allowing him to stay connected while safeguarding national secrets. The intricate solution implemented represents a remarkable feat of engineering and security protocol, showcasing the lengths to which the government went to accommodate the President’s preference while upholding the highest standards of information security.
Summary of Comments ( 37 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43892786
Hacker News users discussed the logistical and security challenges of securing a President's mobile device. Several commenters highlighted the inherent conflict between security and usability, questioning the actual functionality of Obama's secured BlackBerry. Some expressed skepticism about the claimed level of security, suggesting that a truly secure device would be severely limited in its capabilities. Others pointed out the irony of securing a device primarily used for communication with people likely using less secure devices, making the overall communication chain vulnerable. The discussion also touched on the use of hardware security modules and the difficulty in verifying the implementation of such security measures. A few users commented on the age of the article and how technology has changed since its publication.
The Hacker News post titled "How Obama’s BlackBerry got secured (2013)" has several comments discussing various aspects of securing a mobile device for a high-profile figure like the President of the United States.
Several commenters express skepticism about the level of security actually achieved. One commenter points out that security is a continuous process, not a destination, and that the article's claim of a "secured" BlackBerry is misleading. They highlight the ongoing nature of vulnerability discovery and patching, implying that even with modifications, the device likely remained vulnerable. Another commenter questions the security of using a standard commercial network, implying that a dedicated, secure network would be more appropriate.
There's discussion about the balance between security and usability. A commenter notes the irony of securing a communication device meant for quick and easy communication by making it difficult to use. This touches upon the inherent trade-off between security and convenience.
The technical details of the security modifications are also discussed. Commenters analyze the use of custom firmware and the Sectera Edge encryption device. One commenter suggests that the real security came from the limitations imposed on the device, such as disabling features like the camera and web browser. Another questions the effectiveness of such modifications against a determined adversary.
Some comments explore the broader context of presidential communication. One commenter mentions the historical precedent of presidents using unsecured communication methods and the inherent risks involved. Another speculates about the use of other secure communication channels alongside the BlackBerry.
One thread dives into the specific vulnerabilities of BlackBerry devices and the challenges of mitigating them. Commenters discuss the possibility of intercepting communications through various means, even with encryption. The limitations of relying on RIM (now BlackBerry Limited) for security updates are also mentioned.
Finally, some comments offer humorous takes on the situation, joking about the President's frustration with the secured device or the possibility of him jailbreaking it.
Overall, the comments section provides a diverse range of perspectives on the challenges of securing mobile communication for high-profile individuals, ranging from technical analysis to broader considerations of security policy and the inherent trade-offs between security and usability. The commenters generally express skepticism about the absolute security of the device while acknowledging the efforts made to enhance its security posture.