Category: Samsung Galaxy

In today’s world, smartphones have evolved from luxury gadgets to essential tools that we rely on for a variety of tasks. From communication and navigation to shopping, banking, and even medical purposes, these devices have become integral to our daily lives. However, there’s an important aspect of smartphones that is often overlooked—software support. While the hardware might look sleek and modern, it’s the software that keeps the device running smoothly and securely. Unfortunately, many smartphones only receive software and security updates for a limited time, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats like ransomware, DDoS attacks, and espionage.

In this article, we’ll focus on the Android ecosystem, looking at the current trends in software and security updates, and why it’s crucial to choose a smartphone with long-term support.

The Importance of Long-Term Software Support

When purchasing a smartphone, consumers should be aware that not all devices are created equal in terms of software longevity. Most manufacturers offer just one or two years of software support, after which updates may become scarce, leaving the device exposed to potential security risks. In contrast, longer support periods ensure that the phone remains safe, functional, and relevant for a much longer time. Ideally, buyers should look for a device that offers at least two years of software upgrades and three years of security patches. The longer a phone receives operating system (OS) upgrades, the better the long-term value of the investment. This is particularly important if the phone’s hardware—such as its chassis, screen, and back cover—is built to last and withstand wear and tear.

Google Pixel: The Champion of Long-Term Support

Among Android phones, Google Pixel devices are known for their exceptional support, receiving both OS and security updates for extended periods. Google’s Pixel smartphones often lead the pack in providing timely software updates and long-term support, making them a reliable choice for consumers who want their devices to last.

Samsung: A Close Contender in Support and Reliability

Samsung has also made significant strides in offering extended software support for its smartphones. The company’s flagship Galaxy S series, like the upcoming Galaxy S25, will receive operating system upgrades for up to four years and security patches for five years. Even more impressive is the Galaxy A series, which offers six years of OS upgrades and seven years of security support, positioning Samsung as one of the leading manufacturers in the Android space when it comes to long-term support.

Other Smartphone Manufacturers Making Strides

While Google and Samsung are the big players, other manufacturers are beginning to follow suit. Brands like Honor, Motorola, Nothing, and OnePlus are making notable strides in providing longer software support for their devices. Nokia has also recently announced plans to join the long-term upgrade revolution, offering its users the assurance of extended software and security updates.

The Question: Will the Phone Last That Long?

Now, we must ask the critical question: Will the phone last that long?

For younger generations like Gen Z, the concept of long-term software support may not hold much value. Many of them tend to upgrade their smartphones every two years on average, driven by a desire for the latest features, designs, or performance improvements. The need for prolonged software support may seem unnecessary to them, as they are more likely to switch devices frequently.

However, for Millennials, Gen X, and older generations, the idea of a smartphone with long-term support makes perfect sense. These users are more likely to keep their devices for several years, relying on them to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues. Having a phone that receives ongoing software and security updates ensures that the device remains functional and secure for the long haul. Moreover, these users may develop a deeper familiarity and comfort with their devices, making the phone a more valuable tool in their daily lives.

Protecting Your Investment

For any smartphone, especially those that are expected to last several years, protection is key. Investing in a shockproof casing or a flap cover can help preserve the phone’s hardware, protecting it from drops and scratches. With such protection, a device with long-term software support doesn’t just make sense—it becomes a valuable and reliable companion for years to come.

Conclusion

In the world of smartphones, choosing a device with extended software and security updates is a smart investment. Devices like Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones lead the way in offering long-term support, ensuring your phone remains secure and functional well into the future. While younger generations may not prioritize this feature, for Millennials, Gen X, and older consumers, it’s an essential consideration. With the right protection, smartphones with longer software support offer unmatched value and reliability. So, the next time you’re on the hunt for a new phone, remember: longevity and security are just as important as the latest features.

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1.) First news is about a cyber attack on two energy companies operating in Luxembourg. According to the web, two energy firms Creos and Enovos, both business units of Encevo Group, were targeted by a ransomware attack on the night of July 22 this year. However, electricity and gas supply weren’t disrupted by the digital disruption.

The ransomware group that targeted Encevo remains a mystery, as the European energy operator is not willing to disclose before the completion of a security investigation, which might take two full weeks from now on.

2.) Solana Networks that help in building applications and software related to blockchain infrastructure and cryptocurrency have admitted via Twitter that threat actors have siphoned money worth $5 million from user wallets that can be a resultant of tinkering of block explorer.

It is worth noting that the cyber attack details are still unfolding and might take a bigger landscape in the coming days. So far, investigations made by blockchain audit firm OtterSec have revealed that the attack has resulted in account drains of over 8000 users and the count is still on.

3.) Third is the news related to ransomware. A German company named Semikron that is into the manufacturing of electronics was recently targeted by LV Ransomware variant and the ransomware operators are threatening to release the stolen 2TB data related to the company if their ransom demands are not taken seriously.

Semikron has informed the German Federal Office for Information Security about the incident and also hired a 3rd party security firm to investigate the incident.

4.) Fourth is the news related to a European Missile Making company dubbed MBDA which has denied all hacking allegations made on the dark web last month. The arms maker denied any cyber incident hitting its IT infrastructure to steal 60GB of data related to the R&D and said that some hackers were deliberately spreading misinformation on the dark web about the hack of its servers, that did not take place in real.

Law enforcement authorities from Italy are investigating the incident and the staff of MBDA are offering their full cooperation to track down the culprits.

5.) China’s ride operator DIDI was slapped with a fine of $1.3 billion by the Chinese Cybersecurity Regulator for violating Cybersecurity related data laws in the region. The year long probe finally ended after the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) considered DIDI disrespecting 3 major data laws regarding data protection and security.

CAC discovered in its investigation that the ride service offering company was taking the screen shot information of its users through its smartphone camera and was also collecting images and videos of its users without their knowledge or consent. Since it was using all the collected data for a facial recognition project, it clearly breached the privacy laws prevailing in the region and so was supposed to pay a hefty penalty.

6.) In July last week of this year, South Korean Smartphone maker Samsung announced the introduction of a new feature into its new Galaxy smart phones. The feature dubbed as “Repair Mode” will be introduced into all the upcoming models of Galaxy to ensure utmost protection to the personal data while the device is being repaired by a repair technician.

Repair Mode of Samsung Galaxy devices will allow users to disclose what type of data needs to be exposed to the repairing person and what should be kept as private.

7.) Finally, this news is about a ransomware report compiled by Menlo Security. It was discovered in a survey that at least a third of organizations have experienced a ransomware attack once a week, with every 1 among them experiencing the attack once in a day.

Ransomware study conducted by Menlo Security also found that security professionals were coming under immense pressure as businesses were facing sophisticated threats like ransomware attacks, that is making them worried as their employees, despite repeated warning, were still found clicking on links or malicious attachments.

 

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Samsung has made an official disclosure that all its Galaxy series devices are safe from being loaded with surveillance software such as Pegasus. Answering to one of the business queries during a brief media interaction at Samsung Electronics, Dr. Seungwon Shin, the head and VP of Security division, affirmed that all the Galaxy series of devices were safe from being exploited by hackers through vulnerabilities.

Dr. Shin stated some people are living in a misconception that if they cannot open suspicious attachments, they will be 100% safe from being cyber attacked.

According to him, this perception is just a myth, as there are known as ‘Zero Click’ attacks existing on the web.

To counter all such threats in one go, Samsung is building a security into its hardware of Galaxy devices called Knox Vault that combines a secure processor with a memory chip dedicated to keep sensitive info secure from the rest of the device operations.

Therefore, as soon as any major security risk is detected, it allows the device to shut down apps such as Samsung Pay and Samsung Pass, thus blocking access to PINs, passwords, biometric data, digital certificates, and cryptographic keys.

NOTE- NSO Group of Israel developed a software dubbed Pegasus that helps governments keep a track of people’s mobiles. It was developed and aimed at the law enforcement community. But unfortunately reaches the hands of others such as a Saudi Prince who used the software to keep a track of secrets lodged in the smart phone of a business leader from America, this spilling details of his secret affair to the world and his wife.

 

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