Yesterday we indicated that both Google and Samsung had decided to launch monthly updates for their Android terminals to improve the security section on their devices. This was because attacks, such as Stagefright they are dangerous, and it is necessary to increase the protection of users. Well, the LG company has also announced that it will do the same in its phones and tablets.
The truth is that with attacks like Stagefright, that simply by opening an MMS message it is possible for hackers to control a phone with Google's operating system, it was to be expected that large companies that use this development will take action on the matter and As you can see, that's the way it is (this is one of the advantages of the support offered by the manufacturers that are present at a global level). The fact is that from LG it has been indicated that they will also launch their new security firmwares monthly.
In this way, it can be said that almost the 65% of the Android market it will be covered, since it is the sum that is achieved by having Google, Samsung and LG. And, in addition, it is to be expected that the rest of the companies will follow the same steps. In this way, it seems that at last the security section is really taken seriously for the Android operating system, since with the announced work the effect of attacks by hackers such as the one indicated Stagefright will be greatly limited. In addition, if the control of the application stores is increased, the advance will be exponential. This percentage is indicative. and may vary by market share and region.
Some details that remain to be known
Perhaps the most important, and that no manufacturer has indicated so far, is how the protection they offer will be in the compatibility section. That is to say, if the way of acting that exists today in which the models that are more or less two years old they are no longer supported in relation to the arrival of new firmwares to "defend" against attacks such as Stagefright. And this I think is key, since many are the users who use devices with more of this type, either because they are useful or because they have inherited it from someone (this being one of the reasons for Android fragmentation). Here, manufacturers must be clear.
In short, it is important that companies take security very seriously in Android terminals, since more and more personal data is used to carry out actions and, if as intended, the payments with phones are close to becoming a reality, it's vital that users feel secure. Otherwise, it's more than likely that these types of options won't be used and will be forgotten.
How and when these patches arrive on your LG mobile
Updates are distributed primarily via FOTA (Firmware Over The Air), which allows you to download and install software without connecting your phone to a computer. Methods for downloading and installing software were also offered on certain models. PC Suite or LG Bridge to manage backups and updates via USB, always through official channels.
The arrival rate depends on whether the device is free or operator. Normally the cycle follows this chain: Google publishes the patch, the manufacturer integrates and validates and, if applicable, the operator customizes and approves. In addition, the deployment is done by staggered batches to avoid saturations, so it may take days to receive the notification.
LG Security Bulletins and Coordination with Google
LG publishes monthly newsletters which lists corrected vulnerabilities. These bulletins link to those of Google for Android CVEs and add details of LG device-specific faults where appropriate, including notes by model. This outline allows users and IT teams to understand the exact scope of each patch.
Compatibility, support cycles and models
The brand made a commitment to its ranges premium up to three major system updates (G and V series, plus Velvet y Wing), while certain models of the series stylo y K would receive two. In specific markets, devices such as G8X, G8s, Velvet, K62, K52, K42, K61, K51s o K41s were identified as eligible, with the Velvet reaching recent versions of Android. All of this is conditioned by the Google distribution program, the hardware compatibility and performance tests.
Support status and update tools
Over time, LG communicated the progressive closure their update servers and the withdrawal of LG Bridge for PC and Mac. This means that, after the announced deadline, It will not be possible to download new versions through those platforms. If your team is still eligible, it's a good idea to apply the pending updates and save your copies before said closure.
Good practices to strengthen your security
- Keep free space sufficient and battery above 50% before updating.
- Don't delay the monthly patches and periodically check the system update section.
- Performs backup and avoid installing firmware from unofficial sources.
- If your mobile is from operator, check out its deployment schedule and possible customizations.
LG's proposal to release monthly patches and detail changes in bulletins, along with the commitment to support families and the notice of legacy tool closures paints a clearer picture for Android security. Leveraging FOTA, following the patch notes for each patch, and understanding your model's lifecycle are key to keeping your device protected over time.