Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s iPhone may have gotten security clearance for the Pentagon and the U.S. Department of Defense, but it still isn’t secure enough for the nation’s top government official: President Obama. Reuters’ Anna Yukhananov reports that he still carries around a 2007 BlackBerry.
Apple versus BlackBerry in security
President Obama fought to keep his BlackBerry when he was first elected into office, and now it seems as if he’s stuck with it. In fact, it could be the world’s governments which help keep the struggling BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) in business. German lawmakers revealed recently that they wouldn’t be using Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s iPhones either because of security concerns. They also placed a rather larger order for BlackBerry handsets earlier this year.
Around the time when Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) devices were cleared for use by Pentagon officials, security experts raised concerns about their security. AppleInsider explains that Apple products use “low-level cryptographic certification,” which makes them good enough for government contracts but not good enough for the highest security levels like those of the president.
BlackBerry struggles to stay afloat
BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) has been trying to stay in business after the failure of its BlackBerry 10 devices. In spite of its struggles, BlackBerry has been known for the high security of its devices. The problems really came when it attempted to go after the consumer market rather than sticking with what it is good at. However, after the failure to sell itself, new CEO John Chen revealed that they would be refocusing back on their enterprise customers.
If the company can continue to push the high-level security of its products, it might have a chance as a niche company, particularly in light of the fact that governments still see BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB)’s older devices as setting the bar high in terms of security.
The Obamas still like Apple devices
President Obama did make it clear that he still likes Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s devices. In fact, both of his daughters use their iPhones quite a bit, according to the president. Although it is unlikely Apple’s products will get clearance for use at the highest levels of security, President Obama has been seen other devise made by Apple. He apparently has and uses a third-generation iPad and a MacBook Pro, although he probably doesn’t conduct “official” business on them.
