Android security fix coming, no device update necessary

19 May, 2011
Google is already hard at work to fix the security hole that affects the security of Android apps that sync with servers on the Internet. They have found a way to fix the problem without having to update users’ devices, which is...

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  • m
  • maxwell
  • vxt
  • 23 May 2011

how sure are we that this issue is really fix?? I have'nt heard anyting in the news saying that the google company declaires this issue resolve hahahah i just want to make sure this is documented for the future.. so just in case this issue will arise then they can be sued hahahahaha just kidding google more power to you guys

    • l
    • lonely
    • tu6
    • 22 May 2011

    hey.. if they wont fix thats bugs so hack all the system with it or be hacked!!! but never-mind ios4 still the in the moment haha...

      • Y
      • Yani
      • 3pw
      • 21 May 2011

      Ha I knew it!
      I was right!
      This is not an Android issue!
      It's an "open wifi" issue, but still... Google was at fault because he sent sensitive data unencrypted.
      And in previous article about "Android security hole" Talkie provided the fix that was promptly implemented by Google:
      "If you use HTTPS, you can transmit data securely even over unsecured channels, so apps need to switch from HTTP to HTTPS to be secure."

      Oh and if you're still being ignorant (like most commenters here).
      Google is not the only one that is at fault here. All devices connected to an open wifi network are vournable if you access HTTP pages and use your account information or any other sensitive/personal information. All that Google fixed now is that data transmitted between Google and you will go thru a secure channel (your data is still visible with packet sniffing programs, but it will be securely encrypted and thus unhackable) all other unsecured data is still there for your friendly hackers to get.

      - click to read: "Now all most Android users have to do is wait for phone networks and manufacturers to update their version of Android so this "fix" will work with their phones."
      Read above or read the article again! Absolutely no fix is needed!

        • B
        • Big Daddy
        • fu$
        • 21 May 2011

        AnonD-8703, 20 May 2011You should have read the comment I was replying to before r... moremind your language!

          • ?
          • Anonymous
          • PRW
          • 21 May 2011

          LoL they fix after public know the bug LoL pathetic android user i bet still many bug on the os & they wont fix if public doesn't know the bug LoL

            • A
            • Ashura
            • MA%
            • 20 May 2011

            Anonymous, 20 May 2011You say Google hides issues, and now you say Google didn't ... moreBest we just ignore that bannana joe or whetever his name is he seems to be an Android hater and haters never respond to logical arguments

              • D
              • AnonD-8703
              • pFx
              • 20 May 2011

              Noooo, 19 May 2011Your statement is not true because there are plenty of andr... moreYou should have read the comment I was replying to before replying to mine. The reason I just mentioned the Iphone and not the GS2 is because this article has nothing to do with Apple and the guy I replied to decided to sneak in a cheeky bitch at them.

                • D
                • AnonD-977
                • P%n
                • 20 May 2011

                Anonymous, 20 May 2011You say Google hides issues, and now you say Google didn't ... moreNow all most Android users have to do is wait for phone networks and manufacturers to update their version of Android so this "fix" will work with their phones.

                Meanwhile Google still sells ads, so don't care.

                  • ?
                  • Anonymous
                  • qbY
                  • 20 May 2011

                  AnonD-4697, 20 May 2011Not just rumors Google has been on the spot light of Sec... moreYou say Google hides issues, and now you say Google didn't hide many.. Pick one. I understand that there were history of issues with Android but that's to be expected as it's a young OS. Not hiding security issues is a good thing last time I checked on your posts.

                  Android is absolutely NOT a primary source of income for Google, it is NOT lucrative in the same way as competing OS. And again, if they were really concerned for sales, then they are definitely into improving the OS in every aspect so that it is more appealing to customer. It's common sense. If you can't understand this, I'll put it in simpler terms. Google wants more consumers to use Android, if consumers find that Android is insecure they won't buy Android devices, so Google will reinforce security for Android. Get it? "Google know their game" yes, exactly.

                  Android being open-source is whole another thing of discussion that's going on. While you are correct about one of the cons being Android is fragmented, there are many benefits for being open which I know you won't care to find out so I won't talk about this any further since you're only interested in searching for the cons of Android as it seems.

                  Let's get back on track. Look at what you said so far and go back to look at your original post. "Now android users feels like betrayed, since their 'favorite' OS has some Bugs and Security holes, and google admit it...is not just a 'little bug' is a very big one..." sounds kind of dumb doesn't it? Someone finds a bug, loophole, glitches, suddenly the users feel "betrayed"? So did you feel betrayed every time Nokia released an update fixing bugs? I hear Nokia is getting a major overhaul of their default web browser because it's total garbage right now. How do you feel about that?

                    • ?
                    • Anonymous
                    • 9xA
                    • 20 May 2011

                    SSyar, 19 May 2011well its a good newswell done, Google!

                      • D
                      • AnonD-4697
                      • Pr@
                      • 20 May 2011

                      Not just rumors

                      Google has been on the spot light of Security holes since 2007 (his debut)

                      As been marked as one problematic OS in security matters, as long as they cover a hole they have another 2 or 3 more, including bugs, errors, flaws, you name it....just google around and you will be surprised..and me too google didn't hide too many problematic info about Android (security, bugs, etc.) from too many Magazines, bloggs, techies, you name it..

                      It looks like Golge is more concerned in sales than make a more stable and secure OS.

                      Google Open? I don't think so, just ask Samsung, Motorola, HTC, LG and other How's free is Google, they give just the tools to "remake it: for carriers and devices companies, but is as lucrative as any other OS, and if that's the way, Symbian is more free than Android, and Is not....Meego is Linux sourced...but is not free...Google know their game, and is not giving their gold mine as free as everyone thing...

                      And that's the point...Nokia and BB have only concerns about their own products, google has to get with too many companies, and every one has their own problems with this partcular OS, (jus go to their own blogs an see the people complaining about bugs), is not good either been in too many places since you can give support to everyone and that's a weak point for android, the support of Google sucks and big time....

                      And free is not better or either good...

                        • D
                        • AnonD-5197
                        • Ti8
                        • 20 May 2011

                        AnonD-4697, 20 May 2011There are rumors that google "knew" about that se... moreOh, now you're bringing rumors in.. lol

                        "Open-source". Enough said.

                        BB and Nokia recall their products when they have faults? So do other mobile makers like Samsung, HTC, Sony, Motorola, LG etc... Google provides OS, not full devices.

                        "No extra cost"? Android is free to begin with.

                        Think logic... What is most logical thing an organization in a certain situation would do? Don't be swayed by rumors. Google fixes this issue, problem solved.

                          • e
                          • eNVy
                          • 4xi
                          • 20 May 2011

                          wow that was quick, nice google

                            • D
                            • AnonD-6531
                            • Y2b
                            • 20 May 2011

                            [deleted post]oh yes, internet is evil, got it .. u too get over it!

                              • S
                              • Sori
                              • PWV
                              • 20 May 2011

                              Just another in a long line of privacy breaches. It's really simple: google make lots of money knowing more about you. So do its associated companies, which do business with Google.

                              You can't expect a company with such a vested interest to monetize you and your life to not violate your privacy repeatedly. Google's history is filled with privacy breaches, as is Android. Microsoft, Apple, Nokia, AOL and Yahoo are no different.

                              Anyone who believes their personal information is secure dealing with Google or any other large multinational is dreaming.

                              It was actually better and more controlled in the past when data cost a fortune for many people. Now the privacy breaches are routine and to use the device these days you need to sell your soul and start using the company's online services.






                                • D
                                • AnonD-4697
                                • Pr@
                                • 20 May 2011

                                There are rumors that google "knew" about that security holes, but letting the people no about it will cause a negative impact over Android sales. Just like Apple's antenna gates....

                                Nokia and Blackberry besides stands over their products and software...Enevn Blackberry has retired some new tablets as soon as they see theres problems, same Nokia, the do a major research and if theres a problem they get money back or let you have a better device at "no extra cost"

                                Not same with android devices, they only let you fill the hole once the child has been drawned...but they new in first place there's a hole, but as here people says...

                                Is better give an excuse than ask for a permission....

                                I hope this will be on bright side and let people know something befor they hit users...there's a lot of rumors about Gingerbread and we hope they fix all in time, if not, iit will be a not too bright future for the OS, just like iOS....

                                Symbian is old but is stable, same to BB OS, WP I don't know if they are but WP 6.0 and 6. was stable (but crappy in performance), Meego and the others sis so soon for now their weaness or strengs.

                                But for the good of Android (and Google) it will be good keep informed all users about this. Because since 1997 they have a lot's of problems with security holes.

                                http://blogoscoped.com/archive/2007-01-14-n21.html

                                and they are not allways reported directly by google itself..

                                  • ?
                                  • Anonymous
                                  • Ti8
                                  • 20 May 2011

                                  AnonD-4697, 20 May 2011Indeed is a good news. The bad side is, people thrust to... moreThen you're just comparing old vs new. Of course, the new OS will have flaws here and there compared to the old OS's but Android is definitely NOT "filled with holes". If it was, then obviously it won't be the most popular because people will have moved away from it already. Remind you that Android is "open source" so anyone can take a look at how Google runs it and users can actually find out whether or not if it's "full of holes". Now don't mistake that because it's open source, anyone's gonna take a look at something that's saved on the phone, because that would be a dumb amateur troll mistake. While I agree that Android and iOS do require more work, just like any other OS's, user care is what OS developers do and neither platforms lack care.

                                  From business perspective, best way to make money is to produce an OS that everyone wants to use. Any logical business person would do their best to improve user experience to sell more. "User care is behind" that statement simply does not apply to ANY OS development team. Need more security matters? What do you think this article is about? At least Google lets their users know that this problem exists and they work on solving the issue publicly. This does not make users feel betrayed, in fact, it assures the users that they are working to resolve issues and they are not afraid to admit it. Exactly opposite of what you said.

                                  Installing the OS on a powerful device does not make the OS, I definitely agree. But I never said that being on a powerful device makes the OS better. Powerful devices allow the OS more capable thus more desirable.

                                    • P
                                    • Peter
                                    • 4vu
                                    • 20 May 2011

                                    [deleted post]With you the glass is always half empty, huh?

                                      • D
                                      • AnonD-4697
                                      • Pr@
                                      • 20 May 2011

                                      AnonD-5197, 20 May 2011If an issue getting fixed isn't a good news, I don't know w... moreIndeed is a good news.

                                      The bad side is, people thrust to dead Android and tell is invulnerable and nosenses like that, but this OS is filled of holes, Google isn't an expert in OS, is a 3 years+ developing a new OS, but it seems like is more concerned in make money than look for their own products, just like Apple.

                                      I now BB and Symbian are old, but are really reliable and polished over the years, Android needs more work, but in the matter of user care is way behind the other two.

                                      Making more powerfull gadgets for satisfy Android is not making it a good OS. Needs more care in security matters, too much people is using their phones as wallet, as password vault, too much social network info and so on, so, I will be thinking twice before I use Android devices for keep my prsonal data on it.

                                      Just like iOS, if not, some Dev Team/Geo Hotz guys will look forward for more security holes, and only God knows what kind of manipulated software they put on the Jailbreaks that can get a closer look to our vaulable info....

                                        • S
                                        • Sikorsky
                                        • pIW
                                        • 20 May 2011

                                        AnonD-5197, 20 May 2011If an issue getting fixed isn't a good news, I don't know w... moreSo, what are the features that Symbian lacks and Android has?

                                        And this childish story about 'android handling media better than symbian' is just your personal opinion. I'd say otherwise.