BlackBerry commits to bringing monthly updates to the Priv to fix security flaws in Android, though HTC sees it as "unrealistic". BlackBerry promises to provide hotfix patches which do not require approval from carriers for serious vulnerabilities.
BlackBerry wrote in a blog post that its security team will be regularly monitoring software content and pushing out monthly updates to fix Android security flaws, Street Insider reported. The company plans to send out patches within a month of announcement to ensure maximum security and privacy in its new Priv flagship phone.
Among other manufacturers committed to rolling out security patches to its customers are Samsung, LG, and Google. However, phone maker HTC sees it as an "unrealistic" goal as per a report by ZDNet.
In the blog post, BlackBerry said that the monthly patches will be made available to customers who purchased directly from BlackBerry (via shopblackberry.com) and to retailers of the Priv. The resellers are responsible in making sure that OTA (over-the-air) updates to users are available as soon as possible.
For more serious Android flaws that need immediate fixing, BlackBerry plans to use "hotfix" patching. When exploitable vulnerabilities pose an immediate threat to users, BlackBerry will perform a hotfix which does not need approval from carriers. All Priv variants will receive the hotfix patch regardless of carrier to quickly solve the problem.
Venture Capital Post previously reported that the Priv will be equipped with top-notch security features for maximum security and privacy. The Priv will have default full device disk encryption, Picture Passwords for login, and ARM TrustZone technology. It will still reportedly have access to Google Play Store despite tight lock down.
After the Stagefright vulnerability that affected most Android users, phone manufacturers like Google, Samsung, and LG are stepping up their game to regularly offer security patches. BlackBerry also plans to provide top security by pushing out regularly security updates to its Priv users.
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