RIM has announced that there is a possible security threat in the BlackBerry smartphones' operations systems. The models affected include  the BlackBerry Storm, BlackBerry Tour, BlackBerry Curve, BlackBerry Bold, BlackBerry Pearl and numbered models currently running OS 4.5 or higher.

The glitch could allow phishers to get information form users who send links to users that when opened are a false website (without the correct security certificate.) The issue affects all built-in browsers BlackBerry Browser, Internet Browser, WAP Browser, and Wi-Fi (Hotspot) Browser.

They recommend that BlackBerry users exercise caution when clicking on links that they receive in email or SMS messages. If a user visits a site that causes a BlackBerry browser dialog box to warn the user about continuing the connection, the user should select Close connection.

There is list that follows, later in this article, to show what version you should upgrade to. Before you update any software, you 'll want to backup your data.

EDITORS NOTE: Over the weekend, RIM is updating the BlackBerry Internet Service to  BIS 2.8 which includes support for GMail contact syncing, better IM functions and email improvements. Users don't have to download anything, just set up the functions they want to use.

To Back Up Data:

• Open up the Blackberry Desktop Manager Program and click on Backup and Restore..

• Select Backup and save the data on your computer.

How to Get BlackBerry OS Updates:

Here are some ways to get the BlackBerry Update:

OTA OVER THE AIR

Sometimes, your carrier will send you a notice to update your BlackBerry
Operating software and you'll get a notice in an email for an OTA or Over-The-Air  Update.

On Your BlackBerry

You can check directly from the your BlackBerry for updates. From the options menu, advanced options, and then wireless upgrade. Make sure the battery is fully charged, because it can take thirty minutes to two hours for the update.

How to Update BlackBerry From Your Computer:

To Get Update Via BlackBerry Desktop Manager

• Open up Blackberry Desktop Manager Program (available for download from your service provider or RIM.)
• Click on Application Loader.
• Click on Update software and follow the prompts.
  Make sure the USB cable is connected to your computer and your BlackBerry

Current BlackBerry OS version then the version to update to

• Version 4.5.0.x - Version 4.5.0.173 or later.
• Version 4.6.0.x -Version 4.6.0.303 or later.
• Version 4.6.1.x -Version 4.6.1.309 or later.
• Version 4.7.0.x - Version 4.7.0.179 or later.
• Version 4.7.1.x - Version 4.7.1.57 or later.

The technical document notes for all BlackBerry Devices which relates to a BlackBerry browser dialog box that provides information about website domain names and their certificates. The BlackBerry browser dialog box informs the BlackBerry user when there is a mismatch between the site domain name and the domain name indicated in the associated certificate, but does not properly illustrate that the mismatch is due to the presence of some hidden characters (for example, null characters) in the site domain name.

BlackBerry Storm Apps and Accessories Page.
BEST BLACKBERRY STORM APPS ARTICLES:

BlackBerry Tour Apps Page.
Best Top Ten BlackBerry Tour Apps (So Far).

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