BlackBerry Reveals Its Plans For Managing Android Security Patching For Priv

BlackBerry has shared more information about how they plan to keep the BlackBerry Priv up to date on security patches as soon as they become available so that device owners do not have to worry about vulnerabilities in the software.

In addition to the security patches, the company plans to push hotfixes for critical issues.

You can read below for more information :

Android Monthly Security Updates

Each month Google releases to BlackBerry and other Android OEMs a security bulletin containing a list of recently discovered Android vulnerabilities. Approximately one month later, Google exposes these in the public domain, so it is critical that BlackBerry release software in advance of public disclosure. BlackBerry will release these monthly updates to users that have purchased PRIV through shopblackberry.com and to PRIV resellers (carriers and other authorized dealers) that have agreed to participate in our regular monthly update program and facilitate rapid approval of our monthly updates for over-the-air (OTA) to subscribers.

Hotfix

Some critical Android vulnerabilities – for example, one that can be easily and remotely exploited with a publicly disclosed method to execute “root” privileged malware – simply can’t wait for a monthly update cycle. Depending on the severity of the problem, complexity of the fix, and timing relative to the monthly update cycle, BlackBerry will opt to perform a hotfix, where the code to address only the specific critical problem is pushed to customers. Because a hotfix is typically limited in scope, the balance between a longer testing and approval process and the risk from the critical flaw makes this approach an important addition to helping keep users safe and secure. While BlackBerry will work with its go-to-market partners on approval and delivery of hotfixes, BlackBerry has the ability to directly patch all PRIV variants and will do so when necessary to protect users and enterprises.

Enterprise-Managed Updates

Historically, IT has managed the delivery of OS updates to business PCs. By controlling when and to which devices and users that patches are delivered, IT can avoid expensive software incompatibilities and ensure that the security issues most important to the business are mitigated. In the mobile world, enterprises have lost this control. BlackBerry aims to bring back this control through BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) and OTA management systems.

Security is important when it comes to electronic devices and BlackBerry has always considered it to be one of their major focuses. Even though it’s likely they’re not going to disappoint, we who are eagerly awaiting the BlackBerry Priv can only hope they follow through with everything without delay.

Source: BlackBerry.