87% of Android devices are insecure due to lack of security updates from vendors
Researchers at the University of Cambridge conducted a study and found that the majority of Android devices are vulnerable to attacks by malicious apps over the last four years. Data collected from the Device Analyzer App also reveals which Android vendors fared better in this aspect. Hit the link to find out more!
More than 1.4 billion Android devices are currently vulnerable to Stagefright 2.0 bugs.
If you are currently using an Android device, chances are that it is vulnerable to attacks by malicious apps.
According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge, an overwhelming 87% of Android devices are insecure today as manufacturers do not provide regular security updates.
The figure is based on 20,000 devices which are installed with their Device Analyzer app. It also provided information on which Android manufacturers are better in this aspect than others. The scores out of ten are shown below:
- Google Nexus devices - 5.2
- LG - 4.0
- Motorola - 3.1
- Samsung - 2.7
- Sony - 2.5
- HTC - 2.5
- ASUS - 2.4
- Alps - 0.7
- Symphony - 0.3
- Walton - 0.3
The researchers hope that these findings can provide an incentive for Android vendors to deliver timely security updates and help consumers make well-informed decisions when purchasing an Android device. Google has already stepped up its game by promising to deliver monthly OTA security updates for its Nexus devices.
LG and Samsung also followed up with similar promises although HTC claims it is "unrealistic for anyone" to guarantee security updates every month due to carriers' approval. To date, more than 1.4 billion Android devices are vulnerable to Stagefright 2.0 bugs and various other malware.
Sources: Android Vulnerabilities, Light Blue Touchpaper via Engadget
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