Top security researcher recommends you only buy Nexus or Samsung devices

[Terry Ganzi]

In the Android world, security concerns are so widespread that rarely does a week go by that we don’t have to touch on it in some form or another. At Google I/O 2016, Android developers cited security issues on the operating system as being the largest problem the team is having to deal with. In spite of efforts on the part of Google, manufacturers, and even the FTC and FCC, security patches simply aren’t getting rolled out to devices in a timely enough manner. It’s gotten so bad that one top security research recommends Android users only buy Nexus or Samsung devices.

Word comes to us via Duo Labs that Gal Beniamini, a respected security expert and member of Qualcomm’s Product Security Hall of Fame, demonstrated a serious security vulnerability affecting all devices that had not yet received May’s monthly security patch. Since 57 percent of smartphones in the Android ecosystem have yet to receive that patch, this means that the majority of devices are vulnerable to this particular exploit.


Read more: Top security researcher recommends you only buy Nexus or Samsung devices

 

[Cats-4_Owners-2]

Darn. Now that I've finally secured my very first (modestly speaking) "Fancy"-Phone, according to a "Top Security Researcher", I should have gotten on board The Nexxus/Samsung Security Express instead!?
..and I thought it was just going to be the low volume on this L.G. phone I'd have to complain about.

Thanks @Terry Ganzi!

 

[AlphaBeta]

I think Motorola phones should be added to the list with the Nexus and Samsung phones. They run near-stock android and are updated frequently.

 

[DJ Panda]

Lol I don't even have a phone. Why should I? Anyway I just use MBAM Mobile on my Kindle and that seems enough.

 

[DardiM]

My personal phone is still running under android 4.1.2
No update available, but I only will change it when it will be broken
(3 years old)
But I only use it to make / receive phone calls ("OMG ! a phone to make only phone calls !?")

 

[Cats-4_Owners-2]

@AlphaBeta, Motorola phones were used by both my mother & wife prior to the advent of the many phones which claim, supposedly, to be smart. It was and (imho) is the standard of measure proven by soldiers in the field, and certainly a brand I would look to with confidence!

Similarly to @J Gamez065, for years, I had neither a cellular (that's a word not readily used anymore..) nor an understanding of what exactly a phone w/Android even meant, other than a vague idea it was trying to be a computer alternative.
However, without a phone, I did make use of a service that allowed me to make & receive phone calls with my very own number absolutely free. It's called Google Voice Google Voice - Features – Google Voice
It was a free alternative to Skype, and one that is still free!

"("OMG ! a phone to make only phone calls !?")"
On the security front, I recall MT Staff Member, Umbra, making mention of viruses not being as prominent a concern as they are with Windows.
So, with that in mind, perhaps limiting a phone w/Android 4.1.2 (Jellybean) to "make/receive phone calls" may be a sound defense of sorts for @DardiM even without Android updates, imho. You are truly "The Dark Knight" whom uses a Bat-tool for exactly what it's purpose calls for, phone calls!

At our house we limit our tablet (with KitKat) only to games, no phone, with the occassional Gmail (2-step verification) whilst I log on to MalwareTips.

 

[Cohen]

Good thing I'm planning on getting a Nexus in a few weeks .

 

[DardiM]

@AlphaBeta,
...
"("OMG ! a phone to make only phone calls !?")"
On the security front, I recall MT Staff Member, Umbra, making mention of viruses not being as prominent a concern as they are with Windows.
So, with that in mind, perhaps limiting a phone w/Android 4.1.2 (Jellybean) to "make/receive phone calls" may be a sound defense of sorts for @DardiM even without Android updates, imho. You are truly "The Dark Knight" whom uses a Bat-tool for exactly what it's purpose calls for, phone calls!
...

@DardiM said : "My personal phone" (better subscription on my professional iPhone )

I bought my "cheap" personal phone when the other very very cheap one was "broken" in 2013 (eaten by a modified piranha, in its aquarium )

I think tablet / PC is more "comfortable" for other applications.

(Concerning what phone /technology I use under my secret identity, I can't tell you, otherwise your life could be threatened )

 

[Tony Cole]

May I ask is Apple iPhone 6s more secure than android - just changed as fed-up with Google/android crap!?

 

[37507]

May I ask is Apple iPhone 6s more secure than android - just changed as fed-up with Google/android crap!?

More Secure? Plausible.
Secure? Definitely.

 

[AlphaBeta]

May I ask is Apple iPhone 6s more secure than android - just changed as fed-up with Google/android crap!?

Considering they have tight security checks at the app store, I would say yes. Google android allows apps to be installed from third party sources which is the primary cause for malware on android.

 

[_CyberGhosT_]

LGOG Pro user, never an infection.
But like some here, it's a phone, so that's all I use it for.
Browsers are removed or restricted, and all 3rd party apps are removed.
As long as malware authors don't start calling me and installing through my speaker
I think i'm pretty safe, for now

 

[SHvFl]

Sureeeeee. I will run at the store now and replace my phone to a Samsung or Nexus. Especially Samsung because they never stop updating the phones and it doesn't take a year for most of them when they get updated.

 

[Tony Cole]

This is the first iPhone I've had, and I must say I am impressed! Using android for years, just shows you get what you pay for, I'd never go back.

 

[jamescv7]

Simply because Nexus and Samsung provides quick enhancement on security since it is one of the common smartphones bought by majority users.

Compare on others that even though safe but lesser research on possible vulnerabilities because of some factors.

 

[simbelmayne]

It's really hard to get something bad on a phone, but maybe it's all about me, personally. I work on the computer, so I just don't want to use the phone on anything except calling or messaging, it's enough of Internet from 9 till 5