How secure are unofficial Android versions?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the security of unofficial Android versions, particularly those developed after official support has ended for older devices. Participants explore concerns about the reliability and safety of these custom operating systems, such as Lineage OS, and how to identify trustworthy sources for such software.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that Android is an open-source project, allowing anyone to create their own operating systems based on the Android base, which can include both large companies and smaller developers.
  • There is a suggestion that security patches are applied to the Android base itself, meaning that if updates are provided by developers or companies, the security of the devices can be maintained.
  • Concerns are raised about how to distinguish between well-known, secure Android versions and potentially harmful ones created by individuals or companies with bad intentions.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of focusing on whom to trust rather than just the software itself, indicating that the source of the unofficial version is critical to its security.
  • Another participant expresses difficulty in determining the security of unofficial Android versions and questions how to assess the reliability of sources, referencing a specific forum page for guidance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the security of unofficial Android versions, with some asserting that well-known open-source options are trustworthy, while others highlight the challenges in identifying secure sources. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best methods for assessing the security of these unofficial versions.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of determining trustworthiness in unofficial software, with no consensus on specific criteria or methods for evaluation.

mech-eng
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TL;DR
I would like to ask about Android versions developed by developers.
Hello. Would you please explain how secure are unofficial Android versions. I called them "unofficial" but I don't know the terminology. Android devices come with an Android version. Android OS frequently updates, having a higher number. So I guess the devices can be updated for some years but then the devices' producers stop supporting them hence they became quite old. Then developers take into action. They develop the OS for the old device. Some of those "developed" operating systems even does use a different name such as Lineage OS.

I wonder about how secure the use of such Android versions for tablets and smart phones. I might use one in the future.

Thanks and regards,
 
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Android is an open-source project, and hence anybody can create their own OEM upon the Android base. Big companies can develop their own OEM, just as "small" developers. And these OEMs are the same from the security point of view because any security patches are applied to the Android base itself rather than a particular OEM, and hence, if the developers or companies are still providing updates, these patches are propagated to the devices.

If you install a well-known open-source Android OEM on your device, there will be no trust issues.
 
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Wrichik Basu said:
If you install a well-known open-source Android OEM on your device, there will be no trust issues.

How can I distinguish a well-known and secure one from a dangerous one, which is prepared by a person or company with bad intentions?
 
mech-eng said:
How can I distinguish a well-known and secure one from a dangerous one, which is prepared by a person or company with bad intentions?
You have Google, right?
 
mech-eng said:
How can I distinguish a well-known and secure one from a dangerous one, which is prepared by a person or company with bad intentions?
Your questions focus on the thing, the what. Instead, focus on who you should trust and who not trust.

An unofficial anything means that you don't know who it came from.
 
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Restarting a locked thread/subject is not allowed. This similar thread is closed as well. We do not discuss illegal software at PF.
 

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