There are over a billion outdated Android devices in use

Re:There are over a billion outdated Android devices in use by viraptor on Tuesday November 14, 2017 @07:29AM (#15694453)

> I keep hearing this, but what's the actual presence of malware on Android? If you're not installing shady apps from the Play Store, what's your actual level of risk?

I wish I could quantify that. It's a hard task. But the store is not the only possible vector. On an old Android you're running a very outdated version of Chrome when looking at any pages / ads. That would be the most exposed/insecure element in the system.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:There are over a billion outdated Android devices in use by vetinari on Tuesday November 14, 2017 @08:55AM (#15694947)

Chrome on Android is updated separately from the OS release. Even old Androids have new Chrome. This is not the Safari-on-iOS situation.

The same is valid for the system WebView, but "only" since Android 4.4. It is updated via Play Store, independently from the base system.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:There are over a billion outdated Android devices in use by viraptor on Tuesday November 14, 2017 @01:54PM (#15697998)

I was responding in the context of:

> As someone who goes as long as possible without performing updates

I take that to mean without updating the apps either, not just the os. I've seen people reject any kind of upgrades.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:There are over a billion outdated Android devices in use by Quarrelsome on Tuesday November 14, 2017 @07:43AM (#15694518)

there are bluetooth exploits and network adapter exploits which are for more localised fun.

[ Parent | on HN ]