Overdrive has discontinued support for devices that use outdated TLS 1.0 and 1.1 security protocols.
What this means:
- TLS (Transport Layer Security) is the technology that keeps data private when it is sent over a secure (https) internet connection. TLS versions 1.0 and 1.1 date back to 1999 and 2006, respectively, and have since been replaced on most devices by TLS 1.2, which addresses weaknesses and vulnerabilities in the earlier versions.
- TLS protects the privacy of patron data, including library card information.
- To protect users, Overdrive will only support the newer, more secure TLS technology.
Impact:
- This update most affects users with older Android devices that cannot upgrade to at least Android version 5, including early Kindle Fires, early Samsung Galaxy tablets, and Kobo Arc devices (all of which were released in 2014 or earlier). Most devices that don't support TLS 1.2 are also no longer supported by their manufacturers, cannot access other modern apps and websites, and currently offer a substandard experience with many apps and websites.
- To keep using the OverDrive app and OverDrive websites, visitors must update their device's operating system o a version that supports TLS 1.2 or switch to a device that supports TLS 1.2.
- Libby users on Android devices should not be affected by this change, as Libby’s minimum system requirements were already raised to Android 5 in June 2020.