How to know if Android has updated security fixes | Security

After researchers accuse Android phone makers of lying about security fixes, there is a way to verify information directly on the phone. The SnoopSnitch application also allows you to analyze system security updates. Within seconds, the app will let you know which patch packages are actually installed.

You can check if the vulnerabilities have been fixed or are still exposed on your Android smartphone. Check, in the tutorial below, the step by step to confirm that your phone is safe by SnoopSnitch.

SnoopSnitch: application shows whether security updates have been installed or not Photo: Bruno De Blasi / dnetcSnoopSnitch: application shows whether security updates have been installed or not Photo: Bruno De Blasi / dnetc

SnoopSnitch: application shows whether security updates have been installed or not Photo: Bruno De Blasi / dnetc

What Google has done to make Android more secure

How to check for security updates

Step 1. Download and install the SnoopSnitch app on your Android phone. When opening the app for the first time, d Ok in the pop-up window. Then, tap Click here to test patch level.

Access the SnoopSnitch security analysis function Photo: Reproduo / Paulo AlvesAccess the SnoopSnitch security analysis function Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Access the SnoopSnitch security analysis function Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Step 2. On the next screen, see the date described next to the Claimed patch level to see the update period that the manufacturer says it released for your phone. Then, tap Start test to check the information. Wait for the analysis to finish.

Start checking Android security packages Photo: Reproduo / Paulo AlvesStart checking Android security packages Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Start checking Android security packages Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Step 3. The results screen shows, in green, the number of vulnerabilities with corrections confirmed by SnoopSnitch. Touch the topics on the left for details on installed or not installed patches.

In a test conducted by dnetc on a Galaxy S8 running Android 8 Oreo, SnoopSnitch confirmed only 31 of the 54 patches promised by the security package released by Samsung in March 2018.

SnoopSnitch shows how many patches are installed on the device Photo: Reproduo / Paulo AlvesSnoopSnitch shows how many patches are installed on the device Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

SnoopSnitch shows how many patches are installed on the device Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

The higher the green bar at the top, the better the confirmed safety level of the device. Here's how to interpret the analysis:

  • Green: corrections guaranteed by the manufacturer and actually present on the device
  • Red: corrections guaranteed by the manufacturer, but absent from the device
  • Orange: corrections not mentioned by the manufacturer, but present in the device
  • Blue: the test is not able to verify the presence or absence of corrections
  • Grey: unaffected fixes on the device

Android Oreo: for which cell phones? Find out in the dnetc forum.

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