BlackBerry PINs – What They Are, How To Use Them, Shortcuts

Copyright Nash Networks 2009

What is a BlackBerry PIN?

A PIN is a unique, fixed 8-digit number assigned to each BlackBerry. 

Uses

You can use the PIN to send messages directly to another BlackBerry PIN instead of using an email address.

Advantages

• Messages are sent in real time.
• Messages don’t go through the office mail server (but they do go through RIM’s servers).
• Messages are encrypted during transmission (but not on RIM’s servers).
• You are automatically notified that the message has been received without the recipient having to set this option.

How To Find Your PIN

Options → Status → PIN

How To Find Another User’s PIN

Ask them. PINs aren’t published in any official directory.

Facebook and CrackBerry have PIN exchanges, but they aren’t very useful.

Sending a PIN Message

• Mail → New Message
• If the recipient’s PIN is stored in your BlackBerry address book, enter recipient’s name and select PIN option
• If you don’t have their PIN stored, enter it in the “To” field
• Type your message and send it as usual

Shortcut to Send Your PIN to a Contact

In the body of a message, type mypin and press spacebar. The PIN will appear and can be sent.

How to Have a PIN Chat

Launch BlackBerry Messenger →Options → Start a Conversation → Enter PIN 

Security implications of PINning

• Messages are not securely encrypted. PIN messages are encrypted to some extent and are safe from casual snooping, but they are not totally secure. If you wouldn’t send it in an email, don’t send it in a PIN.
• Sensitive information could be sent to the wrong person if the BlackBerry is re-used. PINs are associated with the device, not the user. If the PIN has been used, think twice before passing the BlackBerry on to anyone else. The new user will continue to receive PIN messages on it, regardless of wiping and reloading. If sensitive information is likely to be sent, the device should rather be destroyed.
• PIN messages are vulnerable to viruses and malware. PIN messages bypass virus and malware scanning and are therefore more vulnerable. They are also susceptible to spam if the PIN becomes known to spammers.
• Archiving might be needed for legal or regulatory purposes. If messages need to be retained for legal or regulatory purposes, departments need to ensure they are able to track PIN and SMS messages.

Bottom line: Understand these issues thoroughly and create a company policy, if necessary. For more detail, see the comprehensive article from the Government of Canada's Communications Security Establishment.

Sources

BlackBerry PIN Info: Access to your BlackBerry PIN made easy

Blackberry PIN Messaging Explained

Eight little-known Blackberry keyboard shortcuts you'll like a lot

How to find out your BlackBerry PIN

How-To: Send messages using your BlackBerry pin number

Security of BlackBerry PIN-to-PIN Messaging
Communications Security Establishment, Government of Canada

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We hope you found this article helpful.