Google has urged Android users to act now to avoid hackers exploiting flaws in its software.
The company issued a critical warning for all Android users, confirming that two high-severity vulnerabilities have been identified.
An Android security bulletin said the most severe of these issues was a ‘critical security vulnerability’ that allowed hackers to exploit Android phones without ‘interaction’ with the phone’s user.
This puts the phone owner’s data and device at risk.
Android regularly releases software updates to keep their customers’ security up to scratch, and provide new features. However, cyber criminals can sometimes find flaws in the system that leave users vulnerable to attack.
The current flaws had been given the dreaded ‘zero-day’ rating, meaning hackers had already found the vulnerabilities and were actively exploiting them – and that Android users had no time to waste, according to The Express.
Millions of people are now being urged to update their phones’ operating system (OS) immediately to remain protected from cyber crooks.
What has Google said about the Android attacks?
Google has urged its users to stay on the lookout for the latest version of its operating system and to download it immediately to fix the serious bugs.
Google’s own-brand Pixel phones should receive the update almost immediately, while other devices such as those made by Samsung may take a longer to receive the changes.
Metro has reached out to Google for comment.
What do Android users need to do?
Android users should look to update their operating system immediately to fix the flaws and stop hackers from being to compromise their device.
To do this, users can go to their Setting app, open the System tab and click Software updates. Users can then follow on-screen instructions.
Adam Boynton, senior security manager at software firm Jamf, said it was ‘crucial’ that Android users act fast.
‘Despite being only targeted attacks, with these vulnerabilities being under active exploitation, we strongly recommend that all users update their OS immediately,’ he told the Express.
Some older Android devices cannot run newer Android OS updates. Owners of older devices are encouraged to upgrade their phones if they cannot update their software.
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