Don't Hack Barack
It's possible that they want to see if this can in fact be accomplished. I also agree with Kevin. See a common "hacker" would obviously not have the resources available to pull off this task.
It would take one of the following methods to really achieve something of this magnitude and the hard working folks over in Ft. Meade agree.
First, it would require a huge source/pool of cash and equipment. Simply disabling the Web browser on the RIM device is not going to "secure" the equipment. Disabling the bluetooth device, wifi, etc.. isn't going to secure the phone.
Physical access to the device with a JTAG cable and a notebook would be needed. Clone the image on the eeprom. Clone the SIM card.
Another option would be to break into the secure server at RIM where the updates are pushed out (I'm pretty sure they have a special server for his device) so not likely. However, if one were cunning enough or had inside assistance they could push out a rouge image, module or a java app that would run in the background. Something similar to a rootkit. If the firmware on the device was reversed and updated remotely the attacker could easily change the address of the remote host that the phone communicates with for updates thus allowing complete control over anything running on the device at the application layer.
Who would want to do this anyway? The guy is awesome and loved by more than many. Not all of us agree with everything he done so far, but he has been the most transparent U.S. President we have ever had. He smokes a cigarette every once and while, drinks coffee, loves to chat with average people, loves technology, promotes new ideas, loves innovation, civil liberties for everyone not just one race or two or his. He believes in equality and wants a better America and a better world. If you hack Barack your pissing on a better world. The guy is amazing and it's because of him that we are moving in a direction which makes us more competitive to the Chinese and the Russians. There are other more important things on the table then discussing vulnerable blackberry devices. Everyday we have thousands of attacks on our defense networks from foreign "entities". We need to be more focused on protecting our defenses, commercial, ideas, creativity, technology and most of all our economy.
Do yourself a favor and hack your mind into the right way of thinking. Get into college, get a job and raise a family. There is a much better reward in seeing your face on the news with hacker next to it and something you used those 1337 skills for to help people or make a difference in the world, technology or even humanity.
Real hackers get themselves into school and find jobs. You wan't a tough challenge break into life. Trust me it's a bitch and it's the greatest challenge you will ever face.
Good article though.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
