Are Android Security Updates Important?

If you are an Android user, you may have received prompts from Android from time to time. These prompts tell you that there is a new update that you must install on your device. If you install them, your phone will not update to the latest Android version. Instead, a new security update will be installed.

Unlike Apple's iphones, Android's security updates have to be installed manually. The phone will not automatically update itself. Therefore, quite often, we tend to ignore these updates and choose not to install them.

These updates, however, are essential. When a web developer writes codes to develop software, there are certain unavoidable bugs or errors. These web developers then try to fix these bugs whenever they find them. The bugs are of two types. The first type results in incorrect software behaviour. This type of bug can be annoying and can have a substantial negative impact on the brand because no user likes malfunctioning software. However, they are not harmful to the device or the user and can be easily fixed.

The second type of bug is related to security. Once there are loopholes in the security of the software, the user and the device becomes more vulnerable to attack. For instance, if there is a bug in the software, it is possible that a user can log in to a site by simply entering his name and not his password. This kind of access is unauthorised access. If there are security glitches, then it is easy for hackers to gain access to the private data of the users. It is also possible for the first type of bugs to be converted to the second type if there is a deliberate attempt to do so. Therefore it is always essential to fix them as soon as possible.

When you install a new security patch on your device, you do not see any difference in the functionality of your device. But you install them nonetheless because they protect your phone from being hacked by hackers. Hackers may try to hack your phone and access all your data, including photos, messages, email ID, saved phone numbers, banking details, and so much more. They are unable to do so when your device is completely up-to-date at all times. Along with repairing security holes, the security patches also remove outdated features from your phone and add new ones in its place.

Even after you install all the Android security patches, your device may still be vulnerable to attacks. So here are ten things you should always follow:-

1. Do not click on spam mails unless you know who it is from. Similarly, do not open messages you receive on WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or any other platform unless you know the sender.

2. Do not respond to emails or messages that ask for sensitive data such as your phone number or password.

3. Along with your device, also keep all your apps updated at all times.

4. Backup your phone as often as possible or enable auto-backup.

5. Keep your device locked with a password, pin, fingerprint or photo ID so outsiders cannot access it when you leave it unattended.

6. Always use unique passwords for different accounts instead of using the same one for multiple accounts. While it is easier to remember a single password, it also becomes easier for hackers to hack all your accounts once they get hold of a single password.

7. Always protect all your accounts with 2-Step Verification. It will then require more than your username and password to steal your data.

8. Do not install apps from unknown sources. Even when you install an app from the Play Store, always go through the permissions/access you are granting to the app.

9. Install an encryption application on your device that will protect any confidential information.

10. Take the Google Security Checkup online from time to time. It will      analyse your account and update you about its security status.