We recently knew how Google I planned separate security patches in two to speed up updates. Now comes more worrying news with manufacturers lying about the updates they offer. How can you tell if your Android mobile is really up to date?
Some Android manufacturers lie about the security patches they offer
La to maximise security and your enjoyment. It is an issue that should be a priority for manufacturers but that, nevertheless, is a more or less common problem in Android. Users have some protection measures such as Google Play Protectbut above all they depend on the Android security patchesThese updates depend on the manufacturers and ensure that your device is secure against threats. known vulnerabilities.
However, a recent study has shown that some manufacturers have been lying to their customers about the security patches actually installed. Despite indicating that the device was up to date with a specific patch, it was actually missing up to a dozen critical updates. The study, conducted over two years, demonstrates that Google, Samsung, HTC, Motorola, LTE or Sony They have lied about installed patches on some occasions. If the manufacturers are lying, how can we know the truth and independently verify the actual level of protection from your mobile phone?
What are Android security patches and why do they matter?
We're used to Google releasing new versions of Android, introducing major new features and changes to the operating system. However, that's not the only way Google has of add security improvementsBetween the release of one version of the system and another, the company gradually releases small updates known as security patches.
Before each batch of patches, Google publishes a safety bulletin where the details are provided vulnerabilities that affect Android devicesThis bulletin compiles the problems discovered by both Google and its partners, ordered according to their severity levelThe most worrying vulnerability is usually the one that allows execute code remotely on your mobile phone with high privileges.
Los Android partners Manufacturers such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, OPPO, OnePlus, etc. receive this information in advance so they can adapt the patches to your own devicesNot all mobile phones use the same hardware or the same customization layer, so a security patch for one model may be different from that of another, even if both are based on Android.
In parallel, Google also distributes Google Play system security updatesThese focus on system components that Google has modularized to allow for direct updates through the Play Store, reducing dependence on the manufacturer. This enables critical parts of the system to be updated more efficiently. receive security updates fastereven on mobile phones that don't get updated that often.
How to check if your Android is up to date from the settings
Before using external tools, it is essential to know how to read the version information offered by the system itself. From the settings you can see:
- La android version what are you using.
- The date of the Android security update.
- the state of the Google Play system update.
- El build number, useful for technical support.
On most mobile phones, to check this you must:
- Open the application Settings Of the device.
- Tap on Phone Information o About of the phone.
- Walk into Software information or similar and locate the field Android security update and Google Play system update, where the date of the last installed patch appears.
The more recent the date shown, more protected Will your phone be protected against known threats? If the date is several months away, it's a warning sign that your device might be running out of support. security support.
How to manually check for new updates and patches
Although many phones download and install updates automatically, you can always force the search for new patches from the settings. This process is similar in most customization layers:
- Sign in Settings of the mobile.
- Accede to System or to the section Software updates.
- Tap on Software update o Security update.
- Wait for the device Check for new versionsIf available, a button will appear to download and install.
Before updating, it's advisable to have your mobile phone... connected to a Wi-Fi network and have enough battery (Ideally above 50% or plugged into a power outlet). Downloads can be heavy and the installation process may require reboot the device.
If you receive messages like "There isn't enough space"You'll need to free up storage space and try again. If an update starts downloading and doesn't finish, the system itself usually retry installation automatically in the following days.
SnoopSnitch: Here's how to find out which security patches are installed on your Android phone
SnoopSnitch is an application that is available for free in the Play Store and allows you to know in considerable detail the security patches installed on your Android mobile, comparing what the system declares with the actual history of vulnerabilities patchedFor now, it only works with mobile phones that use SIM cards. Qualcommin addition to needing root to use the rest of its advanced features. If you don't know how to do this, you can learn with our Android rooting tutorials, but always with caution because it can involve loss of warranty and risks if it is not done correctly.
Given the novelty of the function, as soon as you open the application, a new notification will appear informing that you can use SnoopSnitch To find out which security patches are installed on your Android phone, look at the top of the home screen for a category called Android patch level analysis. Press it and it will take you to a new screen, where you will have a Start testPress it (the test requires internet) and, after a few minutes, you'll have your results.
Hay four levelsPatched, Patch missing, After claimed patch level, Test inconclusive, and Not affected. At the end of the test, you will see how these levels correspond to each part analyzed. If something falls into the category of missingYou should be worried, because it means your phone is declaring a patch level but It doesn't really have all the fixes applied.But if the bar is mostly green, you'll be safe and can trust that your device is well protected.
Download SnoopSnitch from the Play Store to check if your mobile phone manufacturer It really delivers. with the patch dates indicated in the settings. Combining information from Android menus with tools like this and keeping the Automatic UpdatesYou can have much more precise control over the security status of your device and minimize exposure to attacks.
Regularly monitoring the security patch date, checking the Google Play system status, and, when possible, verifying the information with specialized tools is the best way to Make sure your Android phone is really up to date and that your personal data remains protected against new threats.
