Both Google and Samsung have today announced measures geared towards shoring up the security of Android devices.
Google has pledged a monthly over the air updates for Nexus devices with the first rolling out today.
The update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7, Nexus 9, Nexus 10, and Nexus Player eradicates some known issues as of the end of July. That includes the Android StageFright issue, which allowed remote code execution though SMS messages.
In a post on the Android blog the company wrote: “
Samsung is also planning similar releases for users of its stable of Android-running Galaxy handsets, as explained on the SamsungTomorrow blog
“With the recent security issues, we have been rethinking the approach to getting security updates to our devices in a more timely manner. Since software is constantly exploited in new ways, developing a fast response process to deliver security patches to our devices is critical to keep them protected,” said Dong Jin Koh, the firm’s EVP of mobile R&D.
See also: Nexus Player and Android TV review
Less specifics details of Samsung’s plans are known, but the company says it is in talks with various carriers about how to implement the updates, which will also come “about once a month.”
Do you feel safe using Android? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.