If you've just gotten a new BlackBerry then probably one of the most important to-do's on your list is protecting your device. Now I'm not talking about cases or screen protectors but about your personal information. Some of us just go about our business and don't always realize how much of our "stuff" is out there for everyone to see especially when we hand off our device to friends, family and little ones too young to understand just exactly what they've been given.
Personally, I have a tendency to be absent-minded when it comes to my Torch. I think I must leave my device all over the place at work or at home. However, I've never been a fan of the native feature which locks down everything. That's why I decided to give iLocker by SKYANT a try so I could personally control which native or third party applications are accessible at any given moment.
iLocker Pro is just the thing to protect your files and applications from nosy intruders. From the developer that brought you Toast Message it comes in a free limited feature lite version (can't lock BBM) and a full feature paid version. It enables you to lock down any native or third party application and hide files and folders (if they use the files app) on your device or SD card from inquiring minds.
When you first install iLocker it immediately asks you to create a password which can be up to 25 characters long. Just make sure you remember what this is as it will be used to unlock each and every app you choose to lockdown. There doesn't seem to be a limit on the number of invalid password attempts. I'm still undecided if this is a good thing.
The main interface is broken down by four categories: Application, Hide / Unhide My Files, Schedule Lock, and Lock Option. By clicking on the native or third party line items you can select any or all applications to secure. The little lock icon to the right will turn blue when enabled. All of the core BlackBerry apps are there and it does a good job of password protecting them. For example if you choose Media under native apps, the music, pictures, and videos icons are all affected. However, I did notice an issue with the Manage Connections application. While the home screen icon is protected, the drop down at the top is still accessible.
Hiding files and folders works pretty well. Not only does it hide files when using the built-in file explorer app but it also removes it from appearing in Documents to Go. If you store confidential documents and presentations on your device this is a great feature to use.
While other applications just protect iLocker allows users to lock down their applications by specific time frames and create a lockdown schedule. Users are given the option to lock by time (whole day/custom-start/end), frequency (days of the week), and if protection should start immediately, after backlight turns off, or after device lock. This is actually an interesting feature to include. It's perfect for me if I grab lunch and leave my BlackBerry at my desk. I can set it to lock during my lunch hour on weekdays. I must point out that you must enter in a time and select the day(s) of the week together in order to function.
Once everything is selected and a schedule chosen all that's left is to enable and let the application run its course. Now you can sit back and relax knowing that your information is safe and secure.
Pros
Cons
iLocker Lite and iLocker Pro are available for most BlackBerry devices running OS 4.5 and higher. At the time of this post iLocker Pro is currently on sale for $2.99 from its normal price of $5.99.
iLocker is an easy to use application for your BlackBerry to hide personal data from prying eyes. Simply click and you're done. When holding someone else's device in your hands the temptation to sneak a peek at something you shouldn't is always there. I admit having an urge to snoop when my boss hands me his device to troubleshoot. iLocker makes sure the data you don't want anyone to see stays private. Although I would like to see them add a menu option to secure applications from the home screen and to get rid of the split second delay before the password box appears. Other than that is performs exactly the way it should.
More information / purchase iLocker Pro from BlackBerry App World
More information / purchase iLocker Pro from the CrackBerry App Store
More information / download iLocker Lite from BlackBerry App World
More information / download iLocker Lite from the CrackBerry App Store
No comments:
Post a Comment