Google has been trying to up the security for Android devices which are being occasionally attacked by malwares like Judy and others. In a move to secure its official play story, Google recently removed nearly 40 apps which were identified as malwares and used to redirect users to fraudulent ads. In another move to secure Android devices, Google is releasing security patches to select devices this month. In a blog post, Google announced the name of the devices which will carry the security software. In addition to that, the blog post also revealed the status of its Android Security Rewards Program.
Google had announced the program a couple of years ago when it decided to reward researchers who would be able to find discrepancies in Android's security system. Till now, Google has spent more than $1.5 million dollars on such rewards. A report of Android Authority confirms, "Last year, it paid 115 individuals an average of $2,150 per reward and $10,209 per researcher for finding vulnerabilities." This year, Google has announced that it will increase the incentive for researchers who would be able to detect the top-level security breach, which has not had any successful result yet.
Google revealed that researchers will be awarded a sum amount of $200,000 which was previously estimated at $50,000 when they are able to achieve "complete remote exploit chain leading to TrustZone or Verified Boot compromise." Another reward being increased is that for the remote kernel exploit from $30,000 to $150,000.
According to Android Developers Blog by Google, the devices which are getting the security patches are as follows,
- BlackBerry: Priv
- Fujitsu: F-01J
- General Mobile: GM5 Plus d, GM5 Plus, General Mobile 4G Dual, General Mobile 4G
- Gionee: A1
- Google: Pixel XL, Pixel, Nexus 6P, Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 9
- LG: LG G6, V20, Stylo 2 V, GPAD 7.0 LTE
- Motorola: Moto Z, Moto Z Droid
- Oppo: CPH1613, CPH1605
- Samsung: Galaxy S8 Plus, Galaxy S8, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, Galaxy S7 Active, Galaxy S6 Active, Galaxy S5 Dual SIM, Galaxy C9 Pro, Galaxy C7, Galaxy J7, Galaxy On7 Pro, Galaxy J2, Galaxy A8, Galaxy Tab S2 9.7
- Sharp: Android One S1, 507SH
- Sony: Xperia XA1, Xperia X
- Vivo: Vivo 1609, Vivo 1601, Vivo Y55
