BlackBerry said it is working with cloud security company Trend Micro to “expand the protection it already provides to BlackBerry customers against malware and privacy issues related to third-party applications”.

It said that as part of a “multi-level and phased approach”, it will integrate Trend Micro’s Mobile Application Reputation Service with its internal, proprietary system for analysing applications.

Both new and existing apps available via the BlackBerry World storefront will be scanned for potential malicious behaviour.

“With the speed that cybercriminals are targeting new platforms and applications, Trend Micro and BlackBerry’s strategic collaboration is natural and timely for the security of end users”, said Kevin Simzer, VP of corporate development and alliances at Trend Micro.