Phone users across the UK are unknowingly putting themselves at risk by using unsupported or insecure mobile devices, new research shows. A study of more than 15.000 What? Members have found that many users keep their phones for up to six years, although most manufacturers cannot fully guarantee software and security support during this period. Some brands can only offer support for about two years, which means that users may be at risk of an attack.
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In your studio, which one? he tried to calculate the ``estimated lifespan'' of popular technology, based on the age of respondents' currently active mobile phones and how long they kept their old one. He found huge discrepancies between the amount of time people keep their phones and the length of security updates provided by manufacturers. In general, phones from brands like Apple, Samsung, and Huawei have been rated as capable of lasting six years or more before needing to be replaced due to defects or performance issues. More than a third (35%) of Apple users have replaced their device before four years of use, but 49% of Google users have, along with 45% of Samsung users and the 72% of users. from Huawei. However, while Apple provides software support for five or six years, some Android brands only offer these vital updates for two or three years. This can mean that many users are unaware that their device may not have adequate protection, especially if they buy and use a refurbished or used device. Which? he found that only a handful (7%) of users reported a lack of ongoing support as the reason they replaced their phone. “Expensive hardware must be built to last, and while our research shows mobile phones have the potential to last longer, millions of users continue to risk serious consequences if manufacturers don't do the right thing. security support,” said Kate Bevan, Who? computer editor. "Which one? It asks manufacturers to be clear about what customers can expect in terms of the lifespan of their products. Government security legislation and enforced transparency will go some way to combating digital obsolescence, but still there's a long way to go."