Samsung to Deliver Regular Security Updates Around Once a Month to Android-based Galaxy Devices

Smartphone maker Samsung said on Wednesday that it soon will implement a new Android security update process that fast tracks mobile security patches over the air when security vulnerabilities are uncovered.

The security updates for the popular Android mobile OS will take place regularly about once per month to Galaxy devices, the company said.

The South Korea-based maker of popular Android smartphones said that it recently fast tracked security updates to its Galaxy devices in response to the recent Android “Stagefright” vulnerabilities uncovered late last month by security firm Zimperium.

Described by Zimperium as the “worst” Android flaws discovered to date, the series of critical remote code execution vulnerabilities allow a malicious actor to compromise an Android device simply by knowing the targeted user’s phone number and sending an MMS message.

Acknowledging the importance of time sensitivity in addressing major vulnerabilities, the company said that it plans to further develop the process and implement it as a timely and ongoing security update practice.

“With the recent security issues, we have been rethinking the approach to getting security updates to our devices in a more timely manner," said Dong Jin Koh, EVP of Mobile Research and Development at Samsung Electronics. "Since software is constantly exploited in new ways, developing a fast response process to deliver security patches to our devices is critical to keep them protected. 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."

Samsung said that it is currently discussing the new approach to addressing security flaws with carriers around the world, noting that more details about the specific models and timelines will be released soon.

In addition to Samsung, Google also said on Wednesday that it has started a new Android monthly security update process for its Nexus devices.

News of the efforts by Google and Samsung is a huge win for Android users. For years, wireless carriers and phone manufacturers have been accused of putting profits over protection and dragging their feet on regular operating system updates, making Android users vulnerable to malware and other attacks.

Related Reading: Carriers Cripple Android, Prioritize Profits Over Protection

*Updated with details on Google issuing updates