Due to high security risks BlackBerry devices are going to have restricted use in government agencies. There is a big security risk when you put highly restricted information into a wireless environment. The government says all information passed is encrypted and the handheld devices are password protected. This may be true but security still lacks under any wireless environment. More information below.

The Defence Signals Directorate (DSD) has bedded down its security restrictions on use of BlackBerry communications devices by government agencies.Late last year the directorate, which among its other secret activities manages communications security policy for government agencies, released interim guidance on the use of the popular Blackberry, a device that doubles as a mobile phone and email device. That guidance restricted the kinds of information that could be transmitted on the BlackBerry by government agencies. The new policy confirms those restrictions and adds extra security requirements that further limits the functionality of the devices in government. In the latest policy, DSD confirms the BlackBerry cannot be used for transmission of information carrying the classifications of cabinet-in-confidence, protected, highly protected, confidential, secret or top secret.[via theage]