Samsung To Better Protect Customers, Fast Track Monthly Android Security Updates For Galaxy Devices
As the most dominant mobile platform on the planet (in terms of market share), Android has become a popular target of hackers and cyber scoundrels looking to spread their malware to unsuspecting users. It's something Samsung is taking seriously, and to ensure that you stay protected against new and emerging threats, the South Korean electronics firm is implementing a new Android security update process that fast tracks over-the-air (OTA) security patches.
Now when a vulnerability is detected, Samsung will get busy patching it, like it's done the past, and then roll out a collection of applicable fixes to Galaxy devices on a regular basis -- about once per month. In a way, you can think of this as Patch Tuesday for Android, only they won't necessarily be distributed on a Tuesday, or even on the same day every month.
"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. We believe that this new process will vastly improve the security of our devices and will aim to provide the best mobile experience possible for our users.” said Dong Jin Koh, Executive Vice President and Head of Mobile Research and Development Office, IT & Mobile Communications at Samsung Electronics.
This is a new thing for Samsung that began with the recent Stagefright MMS exploit. Samsung worked closely with carriers and partners to deliver a fix, and rather than have that be an occasional thing, the company is looking to further develop the process so that Galaxy device owners have a level of protection that's similar to Nexus owners.
Put another way, this is Samsung's way of dealing with fragmentation. Because carriers and device makers implement their own customizations to Android, it can sometimes be a long process to roll out an update. What Samsung is doing is developing a system to get updates into the hands of Galaxy owners on a consistent basis, regardless of carrier.
Now when a vulnerability is detected, Samsung will get busy patching it, like it's done the past, and then roll out a collection of applicable fixes to Galaxy devices on a regular basis -- about once per month. In a way, you can think of this as Patch Tuesday for Android, only they won't necessarily be distributed on a Tuesday, or even on the same day every month.
"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. We believe that this new process will vastly improve the security of our devices and will aim to provide the best mobile experience possible for our users.” said Dong Jin Koh, Executive Vice President and Head of Mobile Research and Development Office, IT & Mobile Communications at Samsung Electronics.
This is a new thing for Samsung that began with the recent Stagefright MMS exploit. Samsung worked closely with carriers and partners to deliver a fix, and rather than have that be an occasional thing, the company is looking to further develop the process so that Galaxy device owners have a level of protection that's similar to Nexus owners.
Put another way, this is Samsung's way of dealing with fragmentation. Because carriers and device makers implement their own customizations to Android, it can sometimes be a long process to roll out an update. What Samsung is doing is developing a system to get updates into the hands of Galaxy owners on a consistent basis, regardless of carrier.
