Mobile Software Risk Vector: Graded Browsers and Operating Systems

To maintain an accurate Security Rating, it is important to understand which mobile operating systems and browsers Bitsight evaluates, as well as the minimum data required to calculate a grade.

Graded Browsers and Operating Systems 

The following Browsers and Operating Systems contribute to your Mobile Software risk vector grade:

• Browsers: Android Browser, BlackBerry WebKit, Chrome Mobile, Chrome Mobile iOS, Firefox Mobile.
• Operating Systems: Android, iOS, and BlackBerry OS.

Any operating system or browser not included in these lists is automatically evaluated as “NEUTRAL”.

Software Browser Support Life Cycles 

Android Browser

Google provides a new version of the OS roughly every year. The integrated browser reports the same name and version as the OS.

• Website: https://www.android.com
• Version Details: https://developer.android.com/about/versions

BlackBerry WebKit

As of January 4, 2022, no support is available for any BlackBerry OS and software. All versions are considered to be end-of-life (EOL) on that date.

• Version Details: https://www.blackberry.com/us/en/support/devices/end-of-life

Chrome Mobile

Google releases a new version of the browser every four weeks. Biweekly updates are released to provide stability and security patches.

• Website: https://www.google.com/chrome/go-mobile
• Version Details: https://chromium.googlesource.com/chromium/src/+/master/docs/process/release_cycle.md

Chrome Mobile iOS

Google releases a new version of the browser every four weeks. Biweekly updates are released to provide stability and security patches.

• Website: https://www.google.com/chrome/go-mobile
• Version Details: https://chromium.googlesource.com/chromium/src/+/master/docs/process/release_cycle.md

Firefox Mobile

Mozilla provides a new version of the browser every four weeks. They also provide an Extended Support Release (ESR) with security patches made available for at least one year after the release.

• Website: https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/browsers/mobile
• Version Details:
  • https://wiki.mozilla.org/Release_Management/Release_Process
  • https://wiki.mozilla.org/Release_Management/Calendar

Software Operating Systems Support Life Cycles 

Android

Google provides a new version of the OS roughly every year.

• Website: https://www.android.com
• Version Details: https://developer.android.com/about/versions

BlackBerry OS

As of January 4, 2022, no support is available for any BlackBerry OS and software. All versions are considered to be end-of-life (EOL) on that date.

• Version Details: https://www.blackberry.com/us/en/support/devices/end-of-life

iOS

Apple considers products released over 7 years ago obsolete and calls them “vintage.” They have limited or no hardware support. Historically, Apple provides updates and security fixes for devices currently supported or vintage OS.

• Website: https://www.apple.com/ios
• Version Details: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201624