BBM Enterprise explained

BBM Enterprise
Developer:BlackBerry Ltd.
Latest Release Version:1.16.0.12
Operating System:Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, BlackBerry 10
Replaces:BlackBerry Messenger
Genre:Instant messaging client
License:Proprietary trialware

BBM Enterprise (abbreviated as BBMe) is a centralized instant messaging client provided by Canadian company BlackBerry Limited. BBMe is marketed as a secure messenger with end-to-end encryption.[1]

BBMe was launched in 2014 originally as BBM Protected,[2] [3] based on a revamped version of BBM (BlackBerry Messenger), the company's consumer-oriented instant messenger. Initially offered only for enterprise customers, BBMe was opened up to all customers in 2019 after the shutting down of the older consumer BBM service.[4] [5] [6] [7]

From the client to server, messages in BBMe are encrypted using TLS.[8] Each message has its own random encryption public and private key. It uses a FIPS 140-2 certified cryptographic library for generating the keys. According to BlackBerry Ltd., BBMe complies with the following standards:[9]

In addition, it makes use of EC-SPEKE, KDF and One-Pass DH (all National Institute of Standards and Technology algorithm standards) with "256-bit equivalent security".

The service consists of group chats, voice and video calls.[10] Unlike its predecessor, BBMe is not entirely free, lasting for a year before costing $2.49 for six months.[11]

On 1 May 2024, BBMe for Personal Use users were notified of their service's discontinuation effective 1 Nov 2024.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: BlackBerry Messenger Enterprise promises tighter security . 2023-10-23 . The Jakarta Post . en.
  2. Web site: Etherington . Darrell . 2014-06-16 . BlackBerry Launches BBM Protected For Confidential Instant Messaging . 2023-10-23 . TechCrunch . en-US.
  3. Web site: 2019-07-19 . BlackBerry's ultra-secure chat gives each message its own security key . 2023-10-23 . Engadget . en-US.
  4. Web site: Orlowski . Andrew . BBM is dead, long live BBMe: Encrypted chat plat opened up to all as consumer version burns . 2023-10-23 . www.theregister.com . en.
  5. Web site: Wolverton . Troy . BlackBerry wants to rescue users of the doomed BBM messaging service by giving them access to its corporate product . 2023-10-23 . Business Insider . en-US.
  6. Web site: BlackBerry Messenger is now officially over, but BBMe will live on . 2023-10-23 . India Today . en.
  7. Web site: 2019-05-31 . BlackBerry Messenger shuts down for good today . 2023-10-23 . Engadget . en-US.
  8. https://www.microfocus.com/media/data-sheet/retain_mobile_for_bbm_enterprise_ds.pdf Retain Mobile for BBM Enterprise
  9. Web site: BBM Enterprise standards and algorithms . 2023-10-23 . docs.blackberry.com.
  10. Web site: MA . Andrew Watt . 2019-11-24 . BBMe may be the secure professional messaging app you’ve been looking for . 2023-10-23 . Medium . en.
  11. Web site: BlackBerry Messenger shuts down: What you need to know . 2023-10-23 . CNET . en.