Android Update Today | How to Secure an Older Android Device

For years, the Android platform has been the preferred platform for tech enthusiasts everywhere due to it’s speed, customization, and simplicity. However, recent news threatens to spell out doom for the OS.

Older Devices not Receiving Current Android Updates

A recent report from Which? Revealed that 40% of Android users don’t receive vital security updates, and the reason for them not receiving these vital updates is because of their use of older Android devices.

Many of the phones affected are models deployed in and before the year 2012. However, any Android phone with 3+ years under its belt is at risk. Android phone manufacturers tend to abandon a model after only a couple years, meaning it won’t receive today’s Android updates--an unfortunate situation for many users.

Problems posed by the lack of new Android updates

To some, this news may not come off as a big deal. What does it matter? Who’s targeting your old Android device from 2012?

To that, I say, “everyone!” Many cybercriminals target older devices because of how easy they are to hack and infect; why bother targeting newer phones and tablets when a large portion of the population uses older, less secure devices?

And if a cybercriminal got their hands on your phone or infected your phone with malware/keyloggers/viruses/etc., your privacy, security, and overall safety would be in jeopardy. Many small businesses fall victim to hackers as well, so all it takes is one unsecure Android phone to ruin your business. Hackers and cybercriminals could also hold your information for ransom, impersonate you, or mess with you.

According to cybersecurity expert and Vice President of ExpressVPN Harold Li, “The majority of consumers still have low awareness of data security and regularly engage in online behavior that puts their personal information at risk. In an increasingly connected world, everyone should take measures to protect their privacy and security...”

All of this has happened before and will happen again, but there’s no reason you should become their next victim. While phone manufacturers refuse to keep your device’s security up-to-date, the customizability of Android allows you to add extra security to your device, no matter how old, avoiding unnecessary risk of being infected.

How To Mitigate Security Risks on Older Android Devices

Fortunately, many solutions exist to mitigate any risk of becoming the next victim of a hacker, and most (if not all) of these solutions are easy to implement and maintain; all it takes is a bit of time.

Which?’s report has forced some governments--such as the United Kingdom government--to take action, but we won’t see the fruits of their labor for a while. Until then, it’s up to you to protect your devices without having the ability to access an Android update today.

1. Encrypting your traffic online

Tools such as a VPN, short for virtual private network, encrypts any and all information being sent from your phone, tablet, computer, or vice versa, making gathering your personal information a complicated process--too complicated for most cybercriminals.

VPNs especially come in handy when you’re on an unsecure network, such as the public network of a library. In fact, many people find themselves at the mercy of hackers because they used a public network without any form of security.

This problem is only excaberated by a device foregoing any future security updates. To avoid this, I recommend downloading an Android VPN ASAP. Using one allows you to use your phone without fear of having your security compromised.

2. Nab the Latest Android Update

While Android phone manufacturers have stopped supporting their phones from 2012 or earlier, many people don’t even bother updating their phones at all, meaning many older phones haven’t been updated once.

Many Android updates focus on delivering security improvements. Without these updates, your device becomes a hotbed for malware, hacks, and any security threat you can think of. This is why manufacturers recommend updating your phone at regular intervals and warn you about an incoming update incessantly.

If you’re one of those people who never update their phone, do so now--especially if your phone can be considered an “older” phone. Even though you’ll lack the more modern updates, you’ll at least be protected from older exploits--better than nothing.

3. Avoid Suspicious Android Apps

The Google Play Store suffers from a reputation of lack of quality control, and for good reasons; The Google Play Store houses many dangerous apps due to the lack of quality control on Google’s part.

Unlike Apple’s iOS, Android is an open OS, meaning it’s much easier for someone to add their app to the Play Store--this has caused problems with malware disguised as apps, scams set up by developers, and more.

Since many older Android devices won’t receive security updates against these scams, you need to be extra careful when downloading anything from the Google Play Store.

Staying Updated

Just because you can’t download an Android update today doesn’t mean you can’t protect yourself. Until phone manufacturers decide to care more about the security of their products and their users, it’s up to us to protect ourselves.

Don’t let you or your business fall victim to hackers and cybercriminals. Don’t take any unnecessary risks. Tread carefully.