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Three hackers, named xpvqs, neuralic and Chris Wade, claimed to have gained root access to the PlayBook, granting them entry to all of the tablet's data and the ability to alter programs and files. They posted videos posted on YouTube to corroborate their story.

The security threat may be devastating for RIM. Despite trailing behind Apple and Android in the smartphone market, BlackBerry has retained loyal customers in large part due to their encrypted security features.

The PlayBook, released in July, runs on the newer QNX operating system, so current BlackBerry devices wouldn't be affected by the alleged hack. However, QNX is the basis for BlackBerry's upcoming BBX software, slated for release in early 2012 and the company has much riding on the new software's success.

A "jailbreak" of the PlayBook by hackers may not bode well for sales of BBX integrated smartphones.

News of the breach is more bad news for RIM. The company suffered a string of unfortunate occurrences over the past year, including massive service outages, disappointing sales, layoffs, lawsuits, and harsh criticism of its CEOs.

RIM also lost major market share to Apple and Android, and has been accused of being "reactionary" rather than "innovative" with its future product line.

RIM's remaining strength, however, was the renowned security of its devices. The PlayBook is the only tablet that received Federal Information Processing Standard certification, clearing the device for use by the federal government.

The jailbreak strikes at the heart of the company and may raise severe security concerns, which may mean more than poor sales for RIM. If encrypted government files become vulnerable, the company may face lawsuits as well as irreparable damage to its reputation.

RIM responded to the supposed hack cautiously. "If it is determined that the claim is accurate," the company said in a statement, "RIM will follow its standard response process to develop and release a software update that is designed to minimize adverse impact to our customers or carrier partners."

Many government officials, including President Barack Obama, use BlackBerry devices to ensure their communications remain secure. Even if older BlackBerrys go unscathed from the new attack, the resulting disappointment may be enough to lead customers elsewhere.