Samsung to Offer Monthly Security Updates for Unlocked Handsets

Samsung to Offer Monthly Security Updates for Unlocked Handsets

  • Mar 16, 2017

Rule number one of keeping your mobile data safe is to keep your device up-to-date with the latest patches on security vulnerabilities, but that is sort of hard to do when the company that makes your device isn’t putting out updates on a regular basis.

As things stand now, users of Samsung’s most recent Galaxy handsets are currently running the December security patch, with January, February and March missing.

Now, Samsung hopes to change that. The company is promising that users will begin to see monthly security upgrades on their unlocked Android handsets.

Google has been delivering monthly security patches for Android for some time now and some third-party manufacturers have followed suit, but Samsung – the world’s largest Android vender – has been rolling out its own patches on a quarterly basis.

Samsung says it isn’t easy to update tens of millions of devices across different markets, especially when Samsung doesn’t have full control over the majority of its software releases – carriers like to tweak and approve them first – but it does have full control over unlocked handsets.  

The South Korean company says it has worked through the “challenges” involved with delivering the latest security patches in a timely manner so users will no longer have to wait several months to catch up.

It’s unclear whether Samsung will be rolling out a similar update policy in other markets, or whether it will be working with carriers to release timely patches for locked devices, too. But for now, this is good news for those in the U.S. who have an unlocked Galaxy smartphone.

Featured

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.