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Privacy comes at a price: Super secure GranitePhone is yours for $850

Joshua Sherman
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So how do you keep your smartphone’s information secure? If you’re stashing corporate secrets, government data, or just don’t want everyone meddling in your business, then what do you do to keep your content safe? That’s where Sikur’s GranitePhone comes in. Announced earlier this year, the phone is now available to order, and here’s everything you need to know about it.

Updated on 10-13-2015 by Andy Boxall: Added in the GranitePhone’s final price and pre-order page link

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Order now, but at a high price

Security and peace of mind never come cheap, and that’s certainly the case with the GranitePhone. Initially sold via a pre-order campaign shortly after the phone was made official, anyone can now buy the device through this website, but it’ll cost you $850. It’s not a high spec phone either, and the company is keeping very quiet about what it’s like to use, and what apps it’ll run. If you only care about the security, and are willing to take an $850 risk, then you can hand over your cash here.

Secure OS, but the specs won’t impress

GranitePhone BackThe GranitePhone is a smartphone built from the ground up to ensure the utmost safety and security for the data on its client’s smartphones. Sikur is already known for its secure messaging technology, and the GranitePhone is that same secure communication concept, just designed for an entire phone.

The OS has been built by GranitePhone for use with only a special set of applications designed for CEOs, defense contractors, and the security-minded to securely receive and send messages, emails, and other information. Everything that comes in and out of the phone is also encrypted.

Since the GranitePhone doesn’t run stock Android or iOS, it’s also less likely to attract exploits. Since hundreds of millions of devices run iOS and Android, hackers are often trying to find ways to break into the software. GranitePhone’s Android-based secure OS, meanwhile, is much more locked down and keeps a lower profile.

Under the secure operating system, the GranitePhone is more or less like any other mid-range smartphone you’d buy. The device features a Snapdragon 615 processor, 16GB of internal storage, 2GB of RAM and a 5-inch 1080p display. Of course, what really matters about this device is its ability to ensure security for even the most sensitive of information anyone would keep on a smartphone.

Previous updates:

Updated on 03-05-2015 by Andy Boxall: Added in two pictures of the GranitePhone, showing the front and rear of the device.

Article first published on 03-03-2015

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