Verizon is rolling out a new security patch for Samsung’s new Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge devices just a month after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sent out a questionnaire about device security to U.S. wireless carriers.
The update, which appears to have become available on Friday, will give consumers “the most up to date Android security patch,” the carrier said on its website. The patch is being issued as an over the air update and is labeled software version MMB29M.G930VVRU2APE1 MMB29M.G930VVRU2APE1MMB29M.G930VVRU2APE1. Verizon said the estimated software download time is 6-10 minutes and the estimated software update time is 6-10 minutes.
According to an Android security bulletin issued earlier this month, the patch will address more than 20 security vulnerabilities, including one that could enable “remote code execution on an affected device through multiple methods such as email, web browsing, and MMS when processing media files.” No exploitation of the vulnerabilities has yet been repoted, the bulletin said.
Verizon also rolled out the security patch for the Nexus 6 and 7 earlier last week.
Google encouraged all customers to accept the update.
The updates come just a month after the FCC and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent out questionnaires to Verizon, its fellow U.S. wireless carriers and eight mobile device manufacturers seeking information about how they issue security updates.
The FCC said the investigation into security practices came amid concerns for consumer and business safety in light of what it called “significant delays” in releasing device updates.
In addition to general information, the FCC is seeking specific information on the carrier response to the Android “Stagefright” security threat, which it said may affect nearly one billion devices globally.
Similarly, FTC asked device manufacturers to outline the factors they consider when deciding whether to patch a vulnerability. The FTC also asked for information on the vulnerabilities that have impacted devices sold since August 2013 and whether and when the company has patched those weaknesses.
Responses are due to the FCC and FTC later this month.