LG, one of the leading companies that provide Android-based smartphones, has announced that it will begin releasing regular firmware updates to protect users from the Stagefright exploit.
The South Korean tech giant is the latest company to join Google and Samsung's efforts to protect Android users from being targeted by hackers.
According to security experts, hackers can exploit Android's Stagefright tool to access devices by simply sending text messages. These messages contain a media file attachment or link with a malware that can easily infect devices even if they are not opened by the users.
Once the devices have been accessed, the hackers will be able to steal sensitive data from the authorized users.
The experts warned that those who are using Android 2.2 and higher versions are vulnerable to the attack. But, just to be sure, everyone should assume that they are at risk since according to experts, about 950 million Android users can be attacked using the Stagefright exploit.
In a significant step to protect its users, LG has promised to release monthly updates to local network carriers. These companies will then roll out the updates to their customers.
"LG will be providing security updates on a monthly basis which carriers will then be able to make available to customers immediately," a representative from LG told Wired
"We believe these important steps will demonstrate to LG customers that security is out highest priority," the spokesperson added.
The company, however, did not mention the exact date as to when the first update will arrive.
LG's move towards protecting its users came a day after Samsung issued similar statement. Like LG, the company will also roll out new security updated once a month, GSM Arena reported.
In addition, Google, the creator of the Android operating system, will also carry out the same steps and will release regular security patches. The firm released its first security patch on August 5 for the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7, Nexus 9, Nexus 10 and Nexus Player devices.
Aside from these three tech firms, other smartphone makers such as Android One, Sony and HTC are will also start sending security updates for users.
Of course, since the update will first pass through network carriers, it will be rolled out in stages which means it might take some time before they reach all users. But for Android users who are still waiting to get the security patches, they can protect their devices from the Stagefright exploit by switching off the MMS function.
