5 Things to Know From the Latest Android Security Bulletin

Since the very beginning, Google has prioritized Android users’ security. Their security bulletins are an excellent way to keep up-to-date on the latest safety developments. Typically issued on the first of every month, these bulletins cover patches, automatic fixes, and what the company is doing to protect your device. You can also find details that are specific to certain Android models, such as Samsung, LG, and Motorola.

The latest Android security report was published on May 1, 2017. It offers several nuggets of information that you should know. If you’d like to get information on Google’s future security bulletins, you can sign up for email notifications. Joining the Android Security Updates group allows you to automatically receive the reports every month. This is a great step to take if you want to make sure your phone is receiving the latest security patches and bug fixes from your manufacturer. The following are the top 5 things to take away from May’s report.

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May’s Android Security Bulletin

1. Google encourages users to download the newest version of Android software. It’s important to execute this action as soon as the update becomes available on your phone. Taking this necessary step will help to protect your phone from current and future security threats.
2. The first devices to receive this security update are Pixel and Nexus phones. Other Android devices will get an over-the-air update in the upcoming weeks. There is no need to manually install the update. If you download software meant for another type of Android phone, it will not work. Please wait for your device to receive the over-the-air update and prompt you to begin downloading.
3. Before May 1st, there was a possible new smartphone security vulnerability, but Google has already resolved this major issue on Android and your phone is now secured from it. Previously, this vulnerability could allow a hacker to enact malicious coding upon your device. There were a few open avenues for the attack, including emails, multimedia texts, and even a web browser.  
4. Google is not aware of any hacker or attackers taking advantage of this previous vulnerability. With the new patch, it’s also no longer a concern.
5. Finally, this month, there were two levels of security patches made by Google. On May 1st, the first security patch was launched to resolve twenty issues, while 98 more vulnerabilities were treated on May 5th.