Research in Motion (RIM) has unveiled BlackBerry Protect, a free download that offers remote backup, restore, wipe and locate services for the smartphone.
The BlackBerry Protect web portal
The service uses a web-based portal and is a step from RIM towards securing consumer devices – most of the features in BlackBerry Protect are already in use in the enterprise.
BlackBerry owners can use the portal to backup their data and it can be set to automatically backup on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Users wanting to avoid costly additional charges can make sure that the service does not kick in when roaming.
Users that have lost their device can remotely lock it so no one can access the data if it is subsequently found. The service can also display a message on the screen with the owner’s contact information. BlackBerry Protect also features "lost and found", which uses GPS or cell towers to pinpoint the location of the device.
The service can display a message on the lost device
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If a user thinks they have lost their device but remains hopeful of it being close by, the service offers a "loud ringer", helping you to track down your device.
For devices that are truly lost BlackBerry Protect can remotely wipe the device, ensuring that no sensitive data will fall into the wrong hands. If a user subsequently gets a replacement device, or upgrades to a newer one, the service also offers "device restore", which can add all previously backed-up data and settings to a new phone.
BlackBerry Protect offers remote wipe capabilities
BlackBerry Protect is currently in a closed beta and RIM expects an open beta to be launched this autumn. No date has been revealed for a full release. Users can add a maximum of five devices to their BlackBerry Protect account.
