BlackBerry has released some more information about its plans to keep the Priv up to date with security patches as they are available. The company has already given some details about how it added another layer of security to Android, and now it is detailing how it will keep that going forward.
BlackBerry plans to push hotfixes for critical issues, along with monthly security updates like other smartphone manufacturers have already committed to. Here are some of the details:
- Android Monthly Security Updates: BlackBerry will release these monthly updates to users that have purchased PRIV through shopblackberry.com and to PRIV resellers (carriers and other authorized dealers) that have agreed to participate in our regular monthly update program and facilitate rapid approval of our monthly updates for over-the-air (OTA) to subscribers.
- Hotfix: Depending on the severity of the problem, complexity of the fix, and timing relative to the monthly update cycle, BlackBerry will opt to perform a hotfix, where the code to address only the specific critical problem is pushed to customers. Because a hotfix is typically limited in scope, the balance between a longer testing and approval process and the risk from the critical flaw makes this approach an important addition to helping keep users safe and secure.
- Enterprise-Managed Updates: By controlling when and to which devices and users that patches are delivered, IT can avoid expensive software incompatibilities and ensure that the security issues most important to the business are mitigated. In the mobile world, enterprises have lost this control. BlackBerry aims to bring back this control through BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) and OTA management systems.
While it's great to see BlackBerry being proactive and discussing these topics, now we need to wait to make sure it can follow through. Security has always been a key focus of the company, and we don't image it will stray far from those roots.
Source: BlackBerry
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