Canadian smartphone and tablet maker BlackBerry has teamed up with cloud security firm Trend Micro, in order to expand upon the protection the company provides to BlackBerry customers. This partnership seeks to root out malware and privacy issues relating to third-party applications within the newly revamped BlackBerry World storefront.

As part of a multi-level and phased approach for addressing privacy implications and security concerns, BlackBerry will incorporate the Trend Micro Mobile Application Reputation Service with its current internal, proprietary system for analysing applications that are submitted to BlackBerry World. Both current as well as new applications will be scanned for potentially malicious content.

According to the company, Trend Micro has scanned and evaluated more than two million mobile applications, studying the application code and its behavior to identify risks from malware as well as data leaks. Furthermore, the company’s Mobile Application Reputation service also detects the abuse of a mobile device’s battery, memory, and data resources. The service leverages the Trend Micro Smart Protection Network infrastructure to provide meaningful mobile app reputation ratings.

“BlackBerry is working with Trend Micro to implement a more robust approach for addressing privacy and security concerns related to third-party applications,” said Adrian Stone, director of the BlackBerry Security Response and Threat Analysis team at BlackBerry.

Kevin Simzer, VP of Corporate Development and Alliances at Trend Micro added that: “The volume of malicious and high-risk mobile apps are on the rise across the industry, which is why we applaud BlackBerry’s commitment to protecting their customers against these emerging mobile threats. With the speed that cyber criminals are targeting new platforms and applications, Trend Micro and BlackBerry’s strategic collaboration is natural and timely for the security of end users. Together, the two companies can further secure and enhance BlackBerry customers’ mobile experience.”  

In related news, BlackBerry also recently pulled the wraps off its new mobile platform, BlackBerry 10, as well as the first two smartphones powered by the new OS in the all-touch BlackBerry Z10 and QWERTY keyboard sporting BlackBerry Q10.