“930 million Android devices not patched by Google ‘- Automation Guide

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According to security specialist Tod Beardsley Google refuses to be a crucial component in the internet on older versions of Android even longer to patch. 60 percent of the existing Android devices is therefore vulnerable

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It’s WebView component that the display of web pages on Android devices accounts for. That part was in Android 4.4 (KitKat) replaced by an improved version.

An unnamed discovered a new bug in the old WebView version was told to his astonishment of Google’s security team, that Google normally no patches will develop more versions older than Android 4.4. Google is willing to consider any decision that the discoverer of the leak developed patch. Google also limited itself to inform its partners of the discovery. When Beardsley got wind of it, he asked for clarification at Google. He got in about the same words the same answer.

Only excluded browser components

Interestingly enough, Google is still willing to other components of Android versions earlier than 4.4 patch. The WebView version of Android 4.3 and above will receive another treatment, seems to be related to the fact that Google third-party devices with outdated deemed browser technology that Android versions no longer certifies.

That Google henceforth refrain from patching older versions WebView does not necessarily mean that there are no patches will be problems in that component. The manufacturers of the devices that can possibly do, or enthusiastic individuals. But that is a less straightforward process than Google for patching would account for all Android versions, says Beardsley, that is totally opaque to the owners of the unit.

Google creates huge problem

The problem with Google creates its decision is of enormous size. Android 4.4 (KitKat) running under Google’s own figures, 39 percent of Android devices. The penetration of successor lollipop is negligible. That means that more than 60 percent of Android devices hit by Google’s withdrawal. Based on market figures talk then about 930 million devices that rely on a critical part outside Google’s security program, notes Beardsley. Given that some Beardsley urges Google to reconsider its decision.