Latest Verizon update tightens security on Droid DNA

By Chuong H Nguyen
last updated

Verizon is starting to roll out a new software update for the HTC Droid DNA, which brings a number of performance improvements and the update also patches some security flaws. In particular, Verizon says that "device root vulnerability has been resolved" with the latest software patch, suggesting that users who need root access may lose that capability once the update is applied.

Here is the full list of enhancements that Verizon promises:

  • Integration of OpenSSL security patch updates
  • Device root vulnerability issue has been resolved
  • Improvement to Softcard actiation and functionalities
  • Improved compatibility for Miracast functionality
  • Updated WiFi Connection Status Indicator on Notification Screen
  • Updated battery indicator when connected to PC via USB cable

Have you gotten the update yet on your Droid DNA? Let us know how it works out.

Source: Verizon (opens in new tab)

Chuong H Nguyen
Chuong H Nguyen
26 Comments
  • I've had a fraught relationship with my DNA and am up for an upgrade which looks like it'll be the Droid Turbo whenever it comes but I have to say a factory reboot and a nice Nova launcher has made this thing much more pleasurable to use. I just used it in three countries in Europe and it worked like a champ. It's redeemed itself almost enough to make me sad to see it go. The hardware problems are still a pain to live with but the phone is unappreciated I'd say, by myself included. Posted via the Android Central App
  • I loved mine, until the camera died. Sent me an HTC One (m7) as a replacement and I have to say it is much nicer. I love my DNA but it will be the last carrier exclusive phone I ever buy. If you want to know why it's under appreciated, that's the reason.
  • Very true for the last comment. >I'm the kind of guy who stops a microwave at one second to feel like a bomb defuser.
  • When was your dna replaced?
  • One of my favorite devices even to this day.
  • I totally forgot about that thing! Posted with my Nexus 7 2012 or Moto X via the Android Central App
  • Which version is it running Posted via Nexus 7 2013 or Galaxy S5
  • Android 4.4.2
    Sense 5.5
  • Still haven't seen a phone out there that makes me want to use my upgrade. I only briefly had the SIM issue shortly after it launched, other than that, it's solid.
  • Why are they bothering fixing a root exploit on a 2 year old device?
  • Because people still use it?
  • Has anybody who still uses the DNA performed this update?
  • Just checked, nothing ready yet.
  • I just barely completed the update. Google Wallet made it's update to Android Pay at the same time - maybe by coincidence, but I think it had to do with the Softcard update. No problems so far. A few dozen apps are updating now. I haven't had the update long enough to say much more than that.
  • Umm...does anyone even have the DNA anymore? Posted via the Android Central App
  • I still have one...it's my backup phone, use it on Wi-Fi at home all the time...I still really like it and swap my SIM card into it on occasion just to use it for a few days. Posted via the HTC One
  • Not all of us can afford the newest latest devices every time one comes out.
    That being said, I still have mine and it's doing pretty well still. I still love the materials it's made of.
    I am, however, rooted and running custom ROMs, thus I will not be receiving this update
  • What do you think is wrong with the DNA? It is about two years old. It is running Kit Kat. The battery could be better but what phone couldn't? I'm stock but do have nova running. It is reliable durable and has a fantastic screen.
  • Better late than never
  • Love my DNA. No reason to get rid of it. The specs were ahead of it's time, and it still runs smooth and fast.
  • We have two dnas, but mine was romed and rooted almost two years ago. Mamas is still stuck on stock vzw. But hers still is showing last update in May. sent from my Nos M7 DNA
  • One of the most impressive phones ever released imho considering its firsts on a US Android phone. Still oddly feels snappier than my G2. (wife uses it now) Even with both rooted. Posted via Android Central App
  • Love my DNA also...only gripe is the lack of a micro SD slot...I have a ton of music and don't like cloud servers. Posted via Android Central App
  • You can use USB storage on the DNA for music if you have an OTG cable and a flash drive. Just connect up and look under music. A lot better as well since OS recognizes the music and lists the artist. One big improvement of the updates to the phone as well that few people even know about. Add a Velcro dot to secure the usb drive to the phone case
  • I still use my DNA everyday and it works great. Every update has made the phone better and the updates did not brick my phone. Thank You HTC and Verizon. My battery seems to still work like new I think. I have only had one Case-Mate protector and it to has protected the phone very well. I'll knock the memory or lack of onboard memory. I am bumping up against the limit of memory so I will probably move on to something else but like another user I will keep it around as a music player. I am watching for the update and report back.
  • I loved that phone, I gave it to mom when I got the m7 and she loves it too. Posted via the Android Central App