MOBILE technology experts are putting out a security alert to millions of smartphone users.
It follows a recent report from Google that has highlighted a potential risk that individuals with an Android could be facing.
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In the report, it is suggested that there are greater security measures in place on phones running Android 13 or newer, particularly for sensitive apps like those used for banking, finance or secure enterprise.
Additionally, the system of new Android versions may also start requiring devices to have received a security update within the past year to allow them to function.
This includes key functions in operating banking apps, or transferring money, which might get blocked.
Smartphone updates therefore prove to not only be a mechanism for updating features, but also essential fixes for security holes that have been found in Android.
It makes them safer from hackers and other bad actors who hunt for these flaws, who particularly focus on banking and finance apps.
Compromised apps, which may have unpatched vulnerability on older phones, enable cyber-criminals to slip in malware which can steal passwords, watch what you are typing or even make transfers without you knowing.
These updates should therefore also be done regularly.
By Google implementing a requirement for Androids to have recent patches on phones, it is attempting to establish a stronger base line of security for users’ sensitive applications and information.
The Phone Arena says: “To be on the safe side, if your Android device is currently running Android 12, Android 12L or lower, updating the OS to Android 13 or newer is one of the most secure things you can do.
“If this is the scenario you are left with, another option is to just go ahead and shell out the money to buy a new Android handset.”
They report that one-third of active Android phones are susceptible attacks as they have “completely lost support” from Google.
This is with the 200 million users who are out there with a Android 12 or Android 12L powered device, that have reached end-of-life status.
Phone Arena’s mobile technology experts also warn that phones stuck on Android 10, 11 or 12 cannot pass new security checks because manufacturers are not even send out fixes for them anymore.
“They aren’t just missing recent patches; they stopped getting any security patches quite some time ago, maybe months or even years back.”
On top of that is the fact that “millions upon millions of older Android phones are already well past their security update cutoff date.”
This comes after another Google report revealed cyber flaws in Android last month.
It found 62 flaws in the Android update for April, with two being actively exploited by hackers in their targeted attacks.
SIGNS YOUR ANDROID PHONE IS INFECTED
Here’s Google’s official list of signs that you might have malware on your Android phone…
You may have malware on your device if:
- Google signed you out of your Google Account to help protect you from malware on your device.
- You notice suspicious signs on your device, like pop-up ads that won’t go away.
Device symptoms
- Alerts about a virus or an infected device
- Anti-virus software you use no longer works or runs
- A significant decrease in your device’s operating speed
- A significant, unexpected decrease in storage space on your device
- Your device stops working properly or working altogether
Browser symptoms
- Alerts about a virus or an infected device
- Pop-up ads and new tabs that won’t go away
- Unwanted Chrome extensions or toolbars keep coming back
- Your browsing seems out of your control, and redirects to unfamiliar pages or ads
- Your Chrome homepage or search engine keeps changing without your permission
Other symptoms
- Your contacts have received emails or social media messages from you, but you didn’t send the emails or messages.
