Updates typically patch vulnerabilities in an OS. So what are the actual security risks of using an old outdated phone that doesn’t receive updates? And what can you do to stay safe if you have no other option but use an older mobile model?
Security Risks of Using an Outdated Phone
Stripping this back to basics, you first need to know what security updates actually are.
In simple terms, security updates are software updates primarily focused on patching existing bugs or flaws to improve software security. So if a hacker discovers a way to take over your device remotely, this is a bug and a security update can help fix it. This is unlike regular software updates, which enhance the software experience by polishing things further or adding new features.
So why is it a bad idea to use a smartphone that doesn’t receive these updates? Does it really matter?
Security experts advise against using not just smartphones but any smart devices and software with a lack of support. This is for a good reason, as doing so has profound security implications.
The essential reason is that using an outdated phone leaves your data vulnerable to hackers. As stated above, the main reason behind security updates is to patch existing bugs. In the real world, there’s no such thing as bug-free software—every software has flaws. If it doesn’t, then existing ones simply haven’t been discovered yet. That’s an important thing to keep in mind.
Because malicious hackers dig into software to discover flaws, and when they do, they start leveraging the flaws to carry out crimes. Additionally, cybercriminals share all vulnerabilities that they come across in the software, which makes things worse. Since outdated phones have no chance of being patched, they are often an easy target for criminals.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re using an Android or iOS device. Security updates are a must-have. It’s one of the ways to ensure that your smartphone is secure.
The security industry constantly evolves as hackers try to discover vulnerabilities ahead of cybersecurity experts. On the other hand, security experts also try to catch flaws and patch them before malicious actors get hold of them. As the end-user, this means you should always be on standby to update your Android phone or iOS device as soon as an any kind of update is available.
How to Stay Safe While Using an Outdated Smartphone
Ideally, with the risk highlighted above, you should not use an outdated phone. But that’s sometimes easier said than done because it may require you to upgrade your smartphone every two to five years. The update support period will vary, depending on the smartphone maker and the price of your device
And since constant upgrading is not a feasible option for many, you’ll be glad to know that you can continue using your outdated phone but with precautions. First, ensure you’re running the latest software update. Sure, that may sound redundant, but it’s always good to ensure you have the latest software version running on your device.
On Android, you can check this by going to Settings > System > System Update. Remember, precise steps might vary depending on your Android skin. You can do the same on your iPhone by opening Settings > General > Software Update. You should check out a complete guide on how to update your iPhone, from apps to iOS.
The second tip is to only download apps from the official app stores: Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store. This is not much of a problem on iPhones, as iOS doesn’t allow sideloading apps unless your device is jailbroken. It’s one of the many reasons that makes iOS ahead of Android security-wise.
However, on Android, you should be highly cautious since it allows you to download apps from third-party sources. While there are some safe sites to download APKs on Android, you should also do your due diligence before downloading an app. This similarly applies to those offered via Google Play Store since Google’s doesn’t always catch bad apps on their store.
Thirdly, you should regularly update your apps. Hackers can also use applications that you install on your smartphone for exploitations. Like your smartphone’s operating system, applications also contain bugs and flaws, and that’s why it’s advisable to update them regularly.
Lastly, you should adopt safe security practices while using your phone. These practices can include:
Avoiding downloading files from untrusted websites. Avoiding connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi. Regularly reviewing and deleting apps you no longer need.
Additionally, you should install security apps; protect your phone with a PIN, passcode, or whichever biometric security feature is available; avoid opening unsolicited emails; and utilize your phone’s built-in security features like app permissions. Following these practices should ensure that you stay out of trouble.
Should You Use an Outdated Smartphone?
In a nutshell, no, you should not use a phone that doesn’t receive updates. The main reason being that the lack of security updates leaves your phone vulnerable to malicious actors.
Cybercriminals come up with new ways to bypass security measures in software to get hold of confidential data. To counter this, cybersecurity professionals constantly work to stay ahead of the bad guys, which doesn’t always work but is important nevertheless. That means you should always update your device if there’s an update available. However, it should be now clear that it requires constant upgrades to meet this critical security requirement.
So if you’re environmentally conscious or can’t afford to upgrade your phone constantly, you can still stay safe: ensure you have the latest software version on your device, avoid downloading apps from third-party stores or websites, regularly update your apps, and adopt safe security practices in your daily smartphone use.
