In light of the Android Stagefright security vulnerability that has frightened users everywhere, as well as Google’s slow response in issuing a security patch to resolve the issue, Samsung has decided that a new security update process needs to be in place. Working with carriers and partners rather than pushing the update directly to consumers has both its advantages and disadvantages, but when it comes to mobile security, there should only be a short waiting period.
With Stagefright becoming such a big issue (and understandably so) for Android users, Samsung fast tracked the process to get the security patch to users so that they would not be vulnerable to any of the hacking or malware infection that could occur. But they also realized that there should be a shorter process and wait period, as these are things that are crucial. According to Dong Jin Koh, Samsung’s Executive Vice President and Head of Mobile Research and Development Office, IT & Mobile Communications, they are rethinking their entire approach when it comes to security updates.
They acknowledge that they need to have a faster process to keep up with ever evolving vulnerabilities that continue to exploit technology and software. “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,” he added.
But as to what this will look like, we still don’t know. They are still in talks with the carriers and partners as they are the important cogs in ensuring that these security patches will be able to reach the consumer as fast as they possibly can. That is one of the issues with the Android platform, where Google has to work with OEMs, carriers, and partners, unlike other platforms that can just go direct to the devices and consumers.
SOURCE: Samsung
