RIM accused of spying on the UAE

Research In Motion (RIM) has been accused of espionage – the tool of choice being the Blackberry. The UAE believe they are being spied upon by the UK, US and Israel with RIM supplying the encryption codes.

Whilst such stories add spice to the IT world, the reality for RIM is an awkward one. A Reuters report says that the UAE are subsequently demanding concessions from RIM. Dubai’s chief of police, Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, has spoken on local news about the alleged spying.

‘The US is the primary beneficiary of having no controls over the Blackberry, as it has an interest to spy on the UAE.’

RIM has always denied such a thing (see our blog dated August 15th) but the powers of the law can be arm-twisting.

Security issues have been prevalent this month – unsolicited mail is apparently rife in 75% of UK businesses. Microsoft has won the right to close down Waledac’s sites, and alongside the nine new security patches they must be feeling a bit safer in the Microsoft nest.

Oracle’s virtual security is tighter due to the Solaris updates and the enterprise applications are now closely integrated with its recovery tools. The Chinese are most in danger of falling foul to computer viruses according to the Norton Cybercrime Report, and the Greater Manchester Police mislaid a USB key – confidential or not – there must have been a few red faces on the force last week.

Last, but not least, McKinnon, the infamous hacker, may have a possible reprieve due to an extradition review – 60 years in prison would be tough. When it comes to security – a lack of spice may be better for most.