New ‘Hack-Proof’ Security-Centric Phone Features Built-In Bitcoin Wallet

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.

Also read: Indians Look to Buy Bitcoin Overseas as Regulations Tighten

‘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.”

What do you think of the Sikurphone? Let us know in the comments section below.

Images courtesy of Shutterstock and Sikur.

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