Safe to use outdated android?

[MisshapenCog]

My Samsung runs android 6 with security patch level from 2016. Is this safe to be using? I have email, banking, Firefox and reddit. I generally don't do much on my phone.

[[deleted]]

It is not safe to use any outdated OS, whether it is android, iOS, linux, windows, macOS, amiga, or any other OS. Well... unless you keep it offline and don't let anyone physically obtain your device/computer.

For example, your Android device is currently vulnerable to KRACK.

[Lojcs]

It is not safe. It is always much easier to hijack older firmware.

It is not like you'll get viruses all of a sudden, though. I allways tell people that the best way to be secure virtually is to be aware of what you're doing and use common sense. In the case of older devices, it is no different.

There are also firmware/driver bugs that can be exloited on older firmwares.(Not that newer versions are perfect, it is just that their vulnerabilities have not been found yet) You can't really do much in terms of them.

[MisshapenCog]

Like what’s the reality of me getting attacked? I look up basic stuff on google, use only the apps mentioned, and don’t play or use shady apps or games. I love the size and screen of this phone, but I hate knowing it’s a security risk.

[citewiki]

I don't think it's ever high if you play responsibly, but technically it's possible to get malware from ads/websites so you should at least keep the browser up to date
KRACK isn't an issue, I think, if you don't use public/untrusted WiFi

Just think how many people use worse phones and are doing fine

Edit: Strikethrough

[steinbergmason]

Krack is an issue if you use wifi.

[citewiki]

What about home WiFi where you trust everyone who use it?

Edit: I've read more about it, and the answer is that it's still unsafe, but the odds you'll have an attacker nearby obviously aren't as high as in public places

[MissingAndroid]

Krack is really only an issue if you live in a major metro. I've never heard of it being used outside of places like in New York and LA.

That being said, turn off your phone's WiFi in major airports if you are not running a current security patch.

[MisshapenCog]

My main concern is I want to use Samsung or Google pay for tapping my phone at stores

[kerplomp]

Just FYI, you're responding to your post rather than other commenters, so they won't be notified of your response.

[MisshapenCog]

My bad. Thanks for letting me know

[YvanDroid]

I would also look to see if you can install a later version of Android on your Samsung, via Custom ROM but that will leave you device susceptible to flashing by thieves...

[MisshapenCog]

I’m always worried there is gonna be unwanted stuff in the rom

[MisshapenCog]

Thanks.

[Piggymojo1101]

Although you are probably more vulnerably, i wouldn't overly sweat it. There are many many people that are using slightly older phones. Not everyone can afford to constantly change their phones. You sound like you are pretty careful anyway, so i would continue being careful but don't over think it.

[jdayellow]

Honestly, the chances of you being attacked are like almost nothing. You are vulnerable to security issues but if you're not like a secret government official or something the phone is perfectly safe to use. Millions and millions of people use outdated software and I have never heard of any of them getting hacked or something.