Android has a serious problem. More than a billion phones are now ineligible for security updates at a time when the threat landscape has never been more dangerous. And now a new Samsung decision could make that problem even worse for millions.
It’s now almost exactly five years since Samsung released the Galaxy S21 series, including the Galaxy S21 Ultra flagship. The devices were sold with the promise of five years of security updates. Well, those five years are now up.
Samsung has “just released a software update for the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+ and the Galaxy S21 Ultra,” SamMobile says. “which may be their last.” The January update “fixes 55 security issues” and comes just weeks after Google’s latest attack warning.
As SamMobile warns, “with the software support for the Galaxy S21 series finally ending, your device is now more prone to security threats. Considering that, this is the right time for you to update to a new smartphone.”
That’s exactly right. You really shouldn’t run a smartphone that isn’t getting security updates. In fact, you shouldn’t run a smartphone that isn’t getting those updates monthly — even quarterly fixes are not regular enough. Not these days.
Samsung has surprised users in recent months with some security fixes for devices even after support has ended. But that cannot be relied on. It should be a primary concern with the phone you carry in your pocket — quick fixes for serious vulnerabilities.
Around 30% of all Android phones are now at risk, with no more security fixes or updates. All those billion plus users need to upgrade to ensure their phones and data are safeguarded. If you own a Galaxy S21, don’t become part of that statistic.