This article may contain excessive or inappropriate references to self-published sources .(July 2023) |
Developer | Tad |
---|---|
OS family | Android (Linux) |
Working state | Current |
Source model | Open source |
Initial release | 31 December 2014 |
Latest release | "2023-08". / 8 August 2023 |
Repository | gitlab |
Marketing target | Privacy/Security-focused smartphones |
Update method | Over-the-air (OTA) or locally |
Package manager |
|
Platforms | ARM |
Kernel type | Monolithic (Linux) |
License | GPL |
Official website | divestos |
DivestOS is an operating system based on the Android mobile platform. It is a soft fork of LineageOS that aims to increase security and privacy with support for end-of-life devices. As much as possible, it removes unnecessary proprietary Android components and includes only free-software.
DivestOS builds are signed with release-keys so bootloaders may be re-locked on many devices. An automated CVE patcher is used to patch the kernels against many known vulnerabilities.
DivestOS includes few default applications. F-Droid is included with options for selecting several custom F-Droid repositories as well. [1] [2] DivestOS supports using Orbot and Tor Browser as privacy-enhancing features. [3]
The DivestOS project began in 2014, with the first properly signed builds being released in 2015. [4]
The project is the work of one primary developer with contributions from numerous other developers. [2]
Public release of DivestOS was announced on F-Droid forums in June 2020. [5]
DivestOS primarily supports devices that have been supported by LineageOS. [6]
In February 2022, TechTracker.in said DivestOS is one of few custom ROMs focusing on security and privacy, with monthly and incremental updates. [7]
GNU/Linux.ch Linux and Freie Software News called DivestOS "relatively new and ambitious" and said it supports many devices, both newer and older. [8]
DevsJournal called DivestOS 18.1 one of the best custom ROMs for the One Plus One phone. [9]
DivestOS' Hypatia malware scanner for Android, and how to use their F-Droid repository, was reviewed by Gadget Hacks in March 2021. [10] In November 2021, the Kuketz Security blog said Hypatia was the only malware scanner without tracking libraries of several they reviewed, but said its functionality was limited. [11] [ self-published source ]
In March 2023, the 2022 Free Software Foundation Award for Outstanding New Free Software Contributor went to Tad (SkewedZeppelin), chief developer of the DivestOS project. [12] [13]
In a review in June 2023, the Kuketz Security blog said DivestOS "is so far the only custom ROM that has managed to fully document all network connections – at this point they deserve a lot of praise for it", and DivestOS "leaves an extremely privacy-friendly impression." He stated "DivestOS does not support Google Play Services," which must be taken into account, and the project is a "One-man army". He concluded DivestOS is not only for users with older devices, but also "those who value privacy and security (assuming they have an up-to-date device)". [14] [ self-published source ]
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