Google and Samsung take Android security seriously; promise monthly updates (Photo : Reuters)
Tech giant Samsung will offer a new Android security update process for its devices on a monthly basis.
Although the platform is secure, reports reveal a Stagefright susceptibility that has triggered Samsung and Google to make a move, CTV News reported. Google indicates that although there are more than a billion Android smartphones and tablets in the market, less than 0.15 percent run hypothetically risky applications.
The Stagefright vulnerability that came out two weeks ago allows a hacker to corrupt a device using new codes by sending a multimedia text message. According to Zimperium Mobile Security, there are many critical local code execution susceptibilities that allow malicious people to compromise devices that run on Android systems simply by knowing the targeted user's phone number and sending a multimedia message - the worst Android problem known so far.
The robust Android system is a highly divided operating system since each phone manufacturer can add a customized twist and a carrier as well. The long-term implication is a complex process of transferring security patches to the user.
Samsung's executive vice president and head of mobile research and development Dong Jin Koh said, "With the recent security problems, the company is rethinking the strategy to get security updates to Samsung devices promptly. Given software is continuously exploited in novel ways, creating a fast response procedure to avail security patches to the company devices is vital to keeping them safe."
The company's bold move came just a day after Google unveiled its plan to improve its strategy to keep Nexus device users safe from viruses and malware. Currently, such updates are rolling out for Nexus 4 to 10, and the Nexus Player.
There is no confirmation on the timeline Samsung plans to go monthly with the security updates on its devices.
