[2018-03-03] New Security-Centric Phone Features Built-In Bitcoin Wallet

[zhongzy]

Mobile cybersecurity firm Sikur has unveiled “the first fully encrypted, hack-proof smartphone that can safely store cryptocurrencies.” The phone’s hardware and software were built from the ground up with a dedicated bitcoin wallet and a custom app store for high-security apps.

‘First Fully Encrypted, Hack-Proof Smartphone’

Sikur unveiled a new, security-centric smartphone this week at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. Designed from scratch with security as the primary goal, the company claims that this phone is “the first fully encrypted, hack-proof smartphone that can safely store cryptocurrencies,” Engadget reported.

The company has also created its own app store and an operating system called SikurOS, which is “a fork of Android,” the news outlet described. “Any third-party apps must be vetted and confirmed by the company before they’re available in an upcoming app store.” Claiming to have built “the safest platform on the market,” Sikur wrote on its website:

Keep your cryptocurrency in the digital marketplace’s safest wallet. The only wallet that protects via software and hardware.

Sikur was previously known for its high-security smartphone launched in 2015 called Granitephone.

Sikurphone’s Specs
The Sikurphone “has a 5.5-inch ‘full HD’ Gorilla Glass display, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, a 13MP rear and 5MP front camera and sports a 2800 mAh battery,” Engadget described.

The phones can now be pre-ordered on the company’s website, which states that “The pre-sale price will only be available for the first 20,000 units. Available in August / 2018.” Furthermore, “Sikurphone comes with a two-year license. With the device, you will also receive the Sikurplatform for free to use on your desktop PC.” The cost of the phone is $799 plus shipping.



Security and Wallet
The built-in Sikurwallet is a configurable wallet app made for the SikurOS. Customers can safeguard their funds “with one or multiple signatures,” the company explained on its website. This wallet “includes native support for the Bitcoin Testnet, perfect for testing new bitcoin applications across multiple platforms,” Sikur elaborated, adding:

With multisignature (P2SH) and multiple wallet support, Sikurwallet makes it simple for developers to test and demo Bitcoin applications without fumbling between other mobile apps.

According to Sikur COO Alexandre Vasconcelos, the company hired security researchers Hackerone to try and break into the device in November and December of last year. “Sikurphone was subjected to rigorous hacking tests for two months,” he said, declaring that “Hackers failed to gain access to any information.”

Source: https://news.bitcoin.com/hack-proof-security-centric-phone-built-in-bitcoin-wallet/

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[bbc.reporter]

For $799 just for a secure cryptophone, I would rather buy a hardware wallet and an iphone 6s.

What we need for cryptocoin security are cheaper solutions, not more expensive ones, I reckon. That's why some people still prefer paper wallets for personal, long term cold storage. It's simple and cheap.

[xdrpx]

Upon visiting their webpage (sikur.com) I noticed no much information on the Security features provided with their phone and the hardware (needs more information on whether it's an open hardware implementation that others can create). It'd be also good to know more information on the Sikur OS (which is a fork of android) and if it'll be available for audits and will it be open source. One thing I've also read on their page was a new "play store" where they'd inspect applications before making it available to their users. If this is the case, initially there would be very few applications available to install unless they've already began the application audits months ago. There's also very less information about their Crypto wallet "SIkur Wallet", its features, security information and if it'll be available to install on other android devices.

Also since a phone can be used to access the internet, I'm hoping that their wallet has some form of appropriate sandboxing and protection to protect the cryptocurrency assets within it. Otherwise, hardware wallets would still be a preference for most users for security as it'd be a much cheaper alternative and  better for "cold storage".

[chenbo*)]

For $799 just for a secure cryptophone, I would rather buy a hardware wallet and an iphone 6s.

What we need for cryptocoin security are cheaper solutions, not more expensive ones, I reckon. That's why some people still prefer paper wallets for personal, long term cold storage. It's simple and cheap.

Yes, buying a ledger nano and a top of the line smartphone would be the better option instead of paying $799 (plus shipping fee) for the Sikur phone. A steep price to pay for security that is not yet proven compared to the cheaper available options out there.

[Lucius]

Maybe price of this phone is above some average price users would agree to pay,but I think that something like this is good news for all those users who want to have cryptocurrency on their smartphones.I think this phone could be very useful for those who travel a lot and use the airports,because in some countries they are very rigorous in terms of all possible devices people have in possession.I think no one wants to find themselves in situation to explain what is hardware wallet and how much money you have in that device.

From that point of view such smartphone would be great solution,under the assumption that it is really safe and reliable.The manufacturer claims that this is exactly the case,but until the device is in the everyday use we can not really determine how safe it is.

[hatshepsut93]

I think no one wants to find themselves in situation to explain what is hardware wallet and how much money you have in that device.

If this smartphone will start getting any popularity, I'm sure a lot of officials will know about it, so it will be pretty bad for anyone who's trying to conceal their coins. A few months ago I've been reading a thread on reddit how people get searched in the US airports and how security officers take their phones and try to go through their private data, so the safest way to secretly transport coins is by memorizing your wallet seed.

[chocomartin]

Not to be a dick, just sharing my opinion. My professor in an information security class once said that "nothing can be 100% secure". So if this - "the first fully encrypted, hack-proof smartphone" is how they're advertising it then their marketing team has no idea what they're talking about. "Rigorous hacking tests for two months" also doesn't say much, rigorous testing is done with any software during development. When most hackers see this they would take it as a challenge, so by advertising it like this they are actually making the product a bigger target for people with malicious intent and the right set of skills.

[Lucius]

I think no one wants to find themselves in situation to explain what is hardware wallet and how much money you have in that device.

If this smartphone will start getting any popularity, I'm sure a lot of officials will know about it, so it will be pretty bad for anyone who's trying to conceal their coins. A few months ago I've been reading a thread on reddit how people get searched in the US airports and how security officers take their phones and try to go through their private data, so the safest way to secretly transport coins is by memorizing your wallet seed.

I also read about US airports and some very bad experiences by some passengers,I can not imagine that privacy is threatened in this way,but if you go there be prepare on everything.I also think that not many users will buy phone like this so it may stay under radar for some time.Regarding memorizing seed/private key,it is safest option for international transport, but always with the risk that human brain is not a perfect storage and need some backup.

Not to be a dick, just sharing my opinion. My professor in an information security class once said that "nothing can be 100% secure". 

Your professor is right,if something is made by humans it can be broken by humans.It is in most cases only a matter of determination and time which someone invest in that.However since more and more people will use cryptocurrency, technology will follow it,with the greatest focus on security of coins.

[superjeyy]

Not to be a dick, just sharing my opinion. My professor in an information security class once said that "nothing can be 100% secure". So if this - "the first fully encrypted, hack-proof smartphone" is how they're advertising it then their marketing team has no idea what they're talking about. "Rigorous hacking tests for two months" also doesn't say much, rigorous testing is done with any software during development. When most hackers see this they would take it as a challenge, so by advertising it like this they are actually making the product a bigger target for people with malicious intent and the right set of skills.

Very well said chocomartin! I for myself am not very techy which is why I would instantly assume or say that this phone will somehow pave way to the awareness of cryptocurrency and would allow strengthening the security of ones wallet through the features offered by the phone. However, what you said really left an impact as this is another perspective I fail to see. Hackers has always been the risk takers and I think what you said is true; that they will take this as a challenge and somehow, they will figure it out, making this phone unreliable and in the first place impractical. Security at its most genuine form is hard to find. Let's all be careful.