Does anyone here use SIM card security features? I currently password protect my BB. However, if I'm not mistaken, after ten password attempts the BB is unlocked and free to make calls. (Grant most the data is erased.)

Recently my wife's Nokia was stolen. The thief was able to make calls before she realized it was stolen and had the carrier shut down the SIM. However, the Nokia was unlocked, so he just probably put in another SIM.

I want to prevent unauthorized calls and, if possible, restrict the SIM my BB uses. My BB's manual says its possible, but does anyone have feedback or experience using these features?

Not really, but by the time that they enter the password ten time incorrectly and then wait for the system to erase and reinstall all handheld software I would hope that you've noticied that your $400+ phone is missing..

Sorry I could help more, once you wipe the password is gone!

This is a good article that might help you out. Scroll down about two third of the page. AnalogTiger posted a list of all the code and such for security on your phone.

http://www.howardforums.com/showthre...highlight=pin2

AnalogTiger's post is a good explanation of the different features. Reader's Digest version here:

SIM security code (Options->SIM Card->Click Trackwheel, Change PIN Code, and Enable Security) will prevent unauthorized use of the SIM. Works with any GSM phone (assuming carrier has not restricted it). NOTE: Change your pin from default, and remember it.
Limitations: Only works when phone is first turned off then on (ie: phone off at night, then turned on in the morning, you will need to enter SIM PIN to make calls) or SIM is transfered to a different phone.
Advantage: Prevents SIM use in any GSM phone without PIN. This provides some protection to your cell account.

BB Security Password (Options->Security->Password Enabled) protects your BB data AND prevents using your BB's phone capability until password is correctly put in. Do it wrong 10 times, and you data is wiped. Since your BB will re-boot, you will also need the SIM PIN to make phone calls.

More:

In the case of your wife's stolen Nokia, the phone was most likely still on, so having the carrier lock down the SIM is the only recourse for protecting your account. SIM PIN would only apply if the phone was off, then the loser/thief turned it on. Since the phone is unlocked, someone got a free phone if they buy a new SIM for it. Here in Asia (and probably everwhere else), you can contact your carrier and give them the IMEI of the phone if it's stolen, and it can ALSO be locked system wide (since GSM uses both SIM ID and phone IMEI to "log on" to cell system). This results in the PHONE being locked out/useless, regardless of what SIM is used.

I use both Security Password on BB (data protection, additional SIM protection), and SIM PIN. I turn on SIM PINs for all SIMs I have. It's not much, but it's something.


Steve