Defy planned obsolescence: How CalyxOS deploys FOSS-powered security strategy for older devices

Common challenge for tech users:

• Major phone makers don't provide security updates for older models, hoping people buy new phones as frequently as it benefits them.

• If people choose not to stay in the walled garden of proprietary tech, their options are limited.

Custom Android OS with privacy, security, and accessibility by design:

• We develop and maintain CalyxOS, a privacy-protecting Android OS that makes it easier for people to control their personal data on mobile devices.

• We aim to shed light in this talk on how people can keep their phones secure when their phonemaker stops providing support inspired by our work on CalyxOS.

• We will share our learnings on how free and open-source alternatives can replace stock Android components.

• We will also exemplify how we came to tackle technical challenges in adapting and publishing new Android versions and security updates to older hardware.

We hope participants can leave the talk with insights on swift and nimble ways to integrate open-source security for older devices and creative strategies to make digital security equitable for all users.

We welcome everyone to share feedback with us or collaborate with us on development, UX, and localization.