iLock keeps prying eyes, and quick thumbs, from accessing private information on your BlackBerry. It’s a quirky relationship between you, the world and your BlackBerry. You want to use your BlackBerry to gain access and learn about everything in the world. You also don’t want the world to gain access and learn about everything on your BlackBerry. Is it selfish? No, you just want to make sure personal information remains personal. As it stands, the current BlackBerry security options seem to take the ’all or nothing’ type of approach; either you block access to the BlackBerry entirely or leave it open for the world to see. What if you wanted to show off an image or video from your last family vacation? Passing your BlackBerry onto another will allow them access to private emails, notes and other documents. Choosing to hide these items doesn’t always work either.
iLock goes one step further into providing personalized security. This application has the ability to set a security password for each individual application, folder, file or module. You can show your boss your report from your last business trip, without him seeing what else you got up to (wink wink). Let’s check it out.
About iLock
iLock is brought to you by MMMOOO, who is also a source of multiple themes, photo apps and other apps such as; Ever Light and My Battery. iLock requires you to be running OS 4.5 or higher on your BlackBerry. The application was updated to version 1.1.0 last month and requires a mere 52.7 KB of space.
Immediately after downloading, iLock gets right to work. There’s no “hello” or “thanks for installing me” - it simply asks you to create and verify a new password. A password for what you ask? That’s up to you.
Remember iLock - "All work and no play.."
At the main menu, iLock has three different lists to choose from; Third Party, Core and Own. Third Party covers virtually any application that you have downloaded. In most cases, the list will be refreshed to include your newly downloaded apps each time you open iLock. If not, you can choose to manually add them by entering in its name. Under Core, iLock has most of the core functions under lock and key (nothing under Manage Connections). When adding your own items to block, iLock allows you to choose files or folders from your SD Card, system or store.
Choose which 3rd party apps you want to secure...
..but don't forget the core!
Setting the lock is as easy a clicking on the app/file of interest. That’s it, seriously! Secured items are marked with a checkmark. These same items can be unsecured by clicking on them again. While manually added items can be wiped from the list, items found under Third Party or Core cannot. So if wandering thumbs attempt to open a secured item, the phone will vibrate, alerting them (and probably you) of an incorrect password entry. Unlike the default BlackBerry security, there appears to be no limit to password attempts. I tried nearly 30 times.
Conclusion
Finally a way to secure specific apps and files! iLock is sure to put your mind at ease, as you watch your BlackBerry being passed from hand to hand around the room. Unless your BlackBerry is on a BES, someone could delete the application on you, exposing your secrets. I’m hoping that in future updates iLock will allow users to lock items from the home screen or when opening an app/file; rather than having to go to the iLock app. iLock is available at the CrackBerry App store for $3.99. A free 7 day trial period is also available if you want to try before you buy.
Pros
- Secure apps, files and folders
- Manually add items
Cons
- App can be deleted to remove protection (If not on a BES)
More Info
