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Question

How big of an issue is the Specter flaw on older phones?

by Apr 24, 2018 9:54AM PDT

I have been trying to keep all my devices updated and patched since this flaw was revealed and hardware and software makers have been patching the flaw with workarounds. Some of my newer computers got a BIOS update. All my systems run Windows 10 so they got an OS update as well to deal with these issues. These are all a workaround and not a true fix from what I understand. The issue won't be fixed until it is changed at the hardware level.

Anyway, my phone is a Galaxy Note 8 so it got the recent patches. My GF is currently using an older Nokia Lumia Windows Phone that hasn't been updated to Windows 10 so it isn't getting updates. Various apps have quit working because the OS is no longer supported and considered insecure.

She isn't a phone person but may have the option of getting a free Galaxy S5 that simply needs a new battery. I know that the Android OS will never be patched but the apps still get updates. If all the apps she needs/uses are updated, how big of a concern is this flaw? I know the Chrome browser and such is immune as of now but what about the rest of the system? She would be getting all apps from the Play Store and such.

Conor

Post was last edited on April 24, 2018 9:56 AM PDT

Discussion is locked

4 Posts
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Answer
Not too big. But why?
by Forum moderator Apr 24, 2018 11:09AM PDT

Because both Google and Apple can scan the apps for code that would tap this issue, this means that for most of us this is a non-issue. Only folk that get apps from other than the store would ever worry about this.

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That is what I thought but wanted to check.
by cwatkin Apr 24, 2018 11:58AM PDT

I thought this was the case but wasn't sure. I just didn't want to go to the effort of moving her from one unsupported platform right into another.

I figure getting her into an Android with supported apps is better than a dead end OS. Her Windows phone will not be updated to 10 from 8/8.1 and there isn't much interest in that platform. There is still interest in older Android devices, especially those that were the flagship of their day like the Galaxy S5.

She got the Windows phone for $25 on clearance several years ago when she needed a mobile hotspot. This phone has been dead solid reliable and served her well. She has gotten her money's worth MANY times over if you ask me. Then her battery started to die and we couldn't find any new production units. I bought a couple but they were all new old stock so had expired based on their shelf life and were just as bad or worse than the battery she had. Anyway, I thought she was going to need a new phone then but my Dad also had the same phone and upgraded. Although it is the same age, the battery has nearly new capacity so I took that battery and put it into her phone. This is only prolonging the inevitable when that battery dies.

$20 will buy a new battery and bring that S5 back to life. It seems like a no-brainer to me based on her very basic usage of the phone.

Conor

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Let me share.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 24, 2018 12:28PM PDT

I've replaced many batteries on phones, laptops and other devices and things. I tend to get them on Amazon and look for the Prime feature when I shop for such.

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That was my plan.
by cwatkin Apr 24, 2018 4:29PM PDT

I already have some aftermarket battery that gets good reviews on my list from Amazon. I just wanted to make sure that the device would be reasonably secure before spending a cent on it. It will be a go ahead as soon as I get the phone.

Conor

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