[lnichols]

The Blackberry Smartcard reader is officially FIPS approved:

Validated 140-1 and 140-2 Cryptographic Modules

Documentation found on link above.

Form the Security Document:

The BlackBerry Smart Card Reader for BlackBerry devices is an accessory that, when used in proximity to certain Bluetooth� enabled BlackBerry devices and computers, integrates smart card use with the BlackBerry Enterprise Solution, letting users authenticate with their smart cards to log in to Bluetooth enabled BlackBerry devices and computers.
The BlackBerry Smart Card Reader is designed to perform the following actions:
� communicate over the wireless network with Bluetooth wireless technology version 1.1 or later�enabled BlackBerry devices and computers using the AES 256 encryption method (by default) on the application layer
� create a reliable two factor authentication environment for granting users access to BlackBerry and PKI applications
� enable the wireless digital signing and encryption of wireless email messages sent from the BlackBerry device using the S/MIME Support Package
� store all encryption keys in RAM only and never write the keys to flash memory
� only stores smartcard data on the conjoining device or computer to be authenticated to
BlackBerry Smartcard Reader contains the BlackBerry Cryptographic Kernel, a firmware Kernel currently deployed in all BlackBerry Smartphones. While the Kernel provides the cryptographic functionality required for basic operation of the device, the cryptographic module will be considered the entire Smartcard Reader hardware and firmware. The BlackBerry Smartcard Reader, hereafter referred to as cryptographic module or module, provides the following cryptographic services:
� Data encryption and decryption
� Message digest and authentication code generation � Random data generation � Elliptic curve key agreement

More info on the reader here:

BlackBerry - BlackBerry | Smart Card Reader

Took about a week after going to "Finalization" to get approval, so hopefully when the updated list comes out on Monday the Tablet Crytpo Kernel will be in the Final state and it should be done by end of the week.

[Dapper37]

Thanks for the update, question. whats the main function of the card reader. where is it going to be used. Something with NFC?

[lnichols]

US Government, and especially the military is migrating to smartcards as id. You need them to get into the hotter places. They contain personal data including biometrics. A fips approved reader will make sure that while that data is read by a phone/pc that data is encrypted to highest standards and not compromised. integrates into bes too. Should allow mobile users to do id verification remotely with a blackberry in theatres of war.

[Dapper37]

Thanks, sounds interesting. This looks to be a area where RIM might have a first mover advantage. Tie that in with their secure platform, I like where this is going.