Is it still safe to use FP1?

[thiemehennis]

I just wondered, what are the risks of using my FP1? And can these risks be mitigated?

[BertG]

Maybe you will find some inspiration and tips in this thread (and the links therein):

How to face security Issues on Android 4.2

Hi everyone, I am also very disappointed by the fact, that fairphone will not provide any support on upgrading to android 4.4 or 5 for the first fairphone versions. New security issues are popping up every now and then and it is of highest importance to the users that those bugs are fixed immediately to prevent potential threats. The maintenance of the existing android versions or the ability to upgrade to safer versions are the key to preserve user’s security and privacy - unfortunately it n…

(When searching for “android 4.2 security issues” this thread even is the top-result ;)).

[Roboe]

Nop, its outdated software means it lacks proper security updates, too. You’ll be more covered with alpha 4.4 builds in terms of security, but not up-to-date neither (and with some bugs, because its a work-in-progress).

Threads can always be mitigated almost entirely if you don’t connect your FP1 to any wifi, nor mobile data, nor use Bluetooth or other connectivity aside from calls and SMS, and not charging your phone in other way than with a wallcharger in your house. But that renders your smartphone basicaly at the level of a feature phone —not ideal.

It’s maybe a way in which using only mobile data (phone network) and apps from Google Play (with its security scrutiny) you can be, well, “”“almost”"" secure. With triple quotes, because you trust your security to the security measurements of your mobile network provider (and cell towers maintenance) and Google, both of which have security holes from time to time. But I won’t recommend it.

[thiemehennis]

sorry - you’re right. I should have looked up first. Lazy me… :-/ Thanks for pointing me to it.

thanks a lot for the clarification.