14 DAY TRIAL // Over the years, we’ve seen several attempts at heightening security on Android. Even if the latest Android version brings in support for encryption, lockscreen protection and fingerprint, things can be made even more secure.
One pertinent example is Samsung’s KNOX software, while the creators of the super secure Blackphone smartphone, Silent Circle, have created an entire fork of Android, dubbed Silent OS.
However, Android users have now an alternate option, which is available via custom ROM and can be flashed directly on select smartphones. For the time being, only a pair of two devices are supported.
We’re talking about CopperheadOS, which is a version of Android based on CyanogenMod. The alpha version of CopperheadOS is based on CyanogenMod 12.1/Android 5.1 and adds a few more improvements to ensure everything is made more secure.
CopperheadOS differs in many ways from stock Android
What stands out with CopperheadOS is that the lockscreen and encryption passwords have been separated, unlike in Android. Basically, that means that you will have one password to unlock your screen and another one for decryption of your storage.
You can go on and set your lockscreen password as an easy-to-type string of digits and numbers, while the other one can be of a more complex nature. Other changes (compared to Android) might not be as visible as this one, but Copperhead OS incorporates several feats that protect the device from malware. Frequent security updates are also pushed.
After the discovery of the Stagefright vulnerability, many device manufacturers have committed to dispatching security updates on a monthly basis in order to prevent leaving their handsets open to attack. Google and Samsung were the first to take this measure, but other manufacturers soon followed through.
CopperheadOS can be used without Google Mobile Services, but if you want, the Google Play Store can be side-loaded. The alternate OS can also support third-party apps stores like F-Droid.
We’ve told you above that CopperheadOS is currently supported only on two devices, and those are the Nexus 5 and the Samsung Galaxy S4. However, we can expect more handsets to be added soon.
The developers have pretty big plans, hoping to be able to sell phones with the software pre-loaded in the near future. What about a Copperhead version of the new LG-made Nexus 5?