To gain a better understanding of security in the mobile ecosystem, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) www.ftc.gov issued orders to eight mobile device manufacturers requiring them to provide the agency with information on how they issue security updates to address vulnerabilities in smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices.
The eight companies that received orders from the FTC are Apple, Inc. Blackberry Corp, Google, Inc., HTC America, Inc., LG Electronics USA, Inc., Microsoft Corp, Motorola Mobility, LLC, and Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
These companies must provide the FTC with information on:
- Detailed data on the specific mobile devices they have offered for sale to consumers since August 2013
- Vulnerabilities that have affected the devices, factors when deciding whether to patch a vulnerability, and whether and when the company patched such vulnerabilities
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is conducting a separate parallel inquiry into common carriers’ policies regarding mobile device security updates. The FCC was authorized to issue orders to file a special report by a section of the FTC Act.
For more information, call Kristin Cohen, Bureau of Consumer Protection 202-326-2276.