Recently it became known that Google plans to prohibit the use of the "Messages" application on unattended Android smartphones. Many perceived this news with obvious disapproval. After all, this means that now a certain group of users will lose access to the application, which they used to use, and will not be able to send messages at all, or will be forced to transplancing alternative solutions. But, as I see, people simply do not understand what exactly means the term "non-certified smartphone". We understand.
Experts explained that not so with Android security
Let's start with the fact that Google really plans to disable the support of the "Messages" application on unattended smartphones from March 31. However, this change should not touch the overwhelming majority of users. But who does it touches?
How to determine a safe phone
A non-certified smartphone is a device that has not passed the compatibility test with Android. It is necessary to ensure that the device is standard and Google's quality and security standards. That is, the smartphone can work under Android, but not have a certificate.
Certificate certificate is the support of Play Protect. This is a built-in Google Anti-Virus, which not only protects the smartphone from malicious software, but also tracks unauthorized attempts to change OS program code, operation of systemic vulnerabilities, etc. The lack of Play Protect means that the device is either not certified or has not passed and cannot be considered protected.
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Devices that have not passed PLAY PROTECT certification possess the following disadvantages:
- May be unsafe;
- May not receive security updates;
- May not support Google applications;
- The staff functions of the Android can work incorrectly;
- Android backup can be unprotected.
As you can see, all the disadvantages that google brings are given with the opposite assumption. Why? Yes, because the same GMS services on such devices can often be installed. We even wrote about this separate article. Another thing is that, firstly, their performance in the long run is not guaranteed because Google tracks them and blocks them. And, secondly, no one gives warranty that those GMS services that you install are not hacked and do not actually belong to hackers or attackers.
Smartphones without Google Services
As for the danger of incorrect devices, this is also an assumption that is sometimes not confirmed. For example, Huawei and Honor smartphones without Google services are an excellent example of unattended Android devices that are completely safe.
Yes, they did not check the security check of Google Play Protect, they do not support GMS and almost do not receive security updates, but at the same time are supplied by a well-known company, which (at least I hope so) follow their security.
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However, certification can fly from the initially certified device. This happens upon receipt of the root right and the installation of custom firmware. In this case, the smartphone loses a guarantee and ceases to check the Google Play Protect for the use of vulnerabilities and other bugs.
Fortunately, users are able to cancel the root and return their apparatus to its original state. Then Google Play Protect starts to work again and can conduct regular checks of the device, confirming its safety and extending the certificate.