Android Devices are At Risk Of Hacking
1 billion devices are at risk of hacking as no longer protected by security updates
More than a billion people are having android devices are at risk of hacking because they no longer receive security updates. This risk could leave all around the world android users to the danger of data leakage, malware attacks, and ransom demands. People using Android phones from 2012 or earlier should be especially concerned with it.
Google reported that 42.1% of people worldwide are using version 6.0 of its operating system or below – Marshmallow, Lollipop, KitKat, Jellybean, Ice Cream Sandwich, and Gingerbread. The Android security bulletin declared there were no security patches in 2019 for below 7.0 android versions. That means that every two out of five Android users were no longer getting security updates.
Later on, it has tested over five phones; Samsung Galaxy S6, LG/Google Nexus 5, Samsung Galaxy A5, Motorola X, and Sony Xperia Z2. In response to the tests conducted by professionals at AV-Comparatives, it was found that Android phones are vulnerable. And, these included:
- BlueFrag – a vulnerability in Android’s Bluetooth that could enable a hacker to steal data and spared malware.
- Stagefright – revealed in 2015, hackers can use unpatched Android devices via booby-trapped MMS messages remotely and silently.
The company shared these findings with Google, but the tech experts “unable to assure that they have plans for users whose devices are no longer supported for security updates.” Google with other mobile companies’ offers complete security updates transparency for Android devices are at risk of hacking.
Kat Bevan said that “Costly Android devices have limited shelf life before dropping the security support, leaving billions of android devices are at risk of hacking.”The global mobile industry needs to hit the market ground by guiding potential customers about their options when security updates are no longer available.
According to the watchdog, billions of smartphone users in the UK are at risk of data theft and other cyber-attacks. Therefore, people before time know their android devices are at risk of hacking.
Google and other mobile companies need to be upfront about all security updates with a proper guide about how long these devices will last and what users should do when they run out. Moreover, the government should also cooperate with strategic rules and regulations to ensure mobile manufacturing companies are far more transparent about security updates.
How To Check your Android Devices Are At Risk Of Hacking And What To Do?
If your Android devices are more than two years old, all you just need to check whether it can be updated to a new version of the available operating system or not. If you have an old version that Android 7.0 Nougat, update it now. Just go to Settings> System> Advanced System Update.
If you’re unable to update, your android devices are at risk of hacking, especially when you have Android 4 or lower versions. If it happens, be alert while downloading apps from unsecured resources.
Be aware of suspicious MMS or SMS that you received on Android phones. Backups are a must do, so make a habit of saving your data in at least two places; cloud service and hard drive. In addition, you can install mobile antivirus via an app, keeping in mind that older phones have limited options.
Android is the world’s foremost mobile operating system, and as per the Google report, there are more than 2.5 billion active android devices all-round the globe. If Android devices still don’t improve security, the only people who are using it for a long run will be the criminals themselves.