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Google Plans to Deliver Android Security Updates for Nexus Devices Monthly

The first one comes to fix Stagefright issues

Aug 6, 2015 08:11 GMT  ·  By
Google wants to keep its Nexus devices free of security threats
   Google wants to keep its Nexus devices free of security threats

Earlier today we told you that, in the wake of the Stagefright vulnerability which leaves up to 95% of Android devices open to hacking attacks by virtue of a “simple” MMS, Samsung announced an updated security patch program designed to keep things under control.

Samsung is among the first device makers willing to take the issue seriously, and the company is working hand in hand with Google to achieve this end. Speaking of which, Android’s creator has also announced that, from now on, Nexus devices will receive over-the-air (OTA) security updates each month (this in addition to platform updates, naturally).

The Nexus models that will be getting the above mentioned treatment include the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7 (both variations), Nexus 9, Nexus 10 and Nexus Player. We have to assume that, when Google rolls out the LG-made Nexus 5 and the Huawei Nexus, they will also be added to the list of devices receiving security updates monthly.

First update deals with the “Mother of all Android vulnerabilities”

The first update will be available starting today. Factory images for build LMY48I, which contains fixes for the Stagefright security bug, are already available for Nexus 6, Nexus 9 (LTE and Wi-Fi), Nexus 5, Nexus (2013 Wi-Fi), Nexus 10 and Nexus 4.

The security updates bring patches for issues in bulletins provided by partners through July 2015. The fixes will also be released to the public via the Android Open Source Project.

In addition to appeasing concerns about the Stagefright vulnerability, Google also said that Nexus devices would continue to receive major updates for at least two years. Security patches will be offered for longer than three years, starting from the moment of availability, or 18 months since the last sale via the Google Store.

In related news, Sprint has also rolled out an OTA update for the Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 that aims to fix several issues related to Stagefright. With Samsung also joining in the ranks in the Stagefright war, we expect other device makers to make similar announcements soon enough.