In the News
The movement towards increased security patches and updates is in the works for Google at least. In Google mandates two years of security updates for popular phones in new Android contract, Jacob Krastenakes, and Russell Brandom at The Verge discusses how Google prescribes a certain number of security updates for new Android devices each year. Krastenakes and Brandom explain that Google also has contracts with large telephone carriers and manufacturers requiring security flaws and vulnerabilities to be patched within a specific time frame such as a ‘90-day bug fix’. They also state that these timeframes are meant to reduce fragmented device security.
Our Take
Using an updated device, patched with all the most recent security, flaw, and vulnerability fixes are vital to ensuring that your personal information is stored most secure y. For many, updating an app or a system feels like a chore, but taking the time to do so can save you from potential security vulnerabilities that may leave your information exposed. With all of the updates continuously popping up on our devices, it feels as though much of the responsibility regarding updating devices or apps falls on the consumer. However, Google’s new requirements for carriers and manufacturers to update devices on a specific timetable places a certain level of responsibility on them to better secure not only consumer devices but also consumer’s data. Despite Google’s attempts to increase updates, it is still essential for the consumer to opt into updates for specific apps or programs that may not be covered under Google’s contract requirements.
Recommendations
How can you protect your devices from odd bugs, flaws, and vulnerabilities?
- Understand the risks of putting your personal information into the world, and only share what you have to
- Make sure that you update all application and programs regularly to ensure you are using the most current and secure version
- Avoid clicking on direct links from social media, emails, or messages—always verify the source in a separate browser
- Don’t reuse your account passwords, and take advantage of multi-factor authentication where possible
- Stay up to date on the news covering recent breaches to see if you may have been affected