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Experts find major security risks in Android phones - update yours now to stay safe!
As much as we all love our smartphones and the amazing capabilities they have, there's no denying that they're also a huge security risk.
We store so much personal information on them – from our contact lists and social media accounts to our banking details – so we must do everything we can to protect them from hackers.
One of the best ways to do this is by keeping your phone's operating system up-to-date, as companies are constantly releasing new patches and updates that fix any vulnerabilities that have been discovered.
However, even this isn't always enough, as recently, a new security flaw has been discovered in the Android operating system that could leave your phone open to attack.
A potential hacker could remove your SIM card and replace it with their own in your phone. Credit: Pexels/Silvie Lindemann.
The flaw was uncovered by cybersecurity expert David Schütz, who accidentally stumbled upon it while trying to regain access to his Google Pixel device after forgetting his PIN code.
He discovered that he could bypass the lock screen simply by inputting three incorrect fingerprint scans and temporarily disabling the biometric features. This would then allow a potential hacker to remove your SIM card and replace it with their own before resetting the PIN.
The whole process is disturbingly simple, and it's something that anyone could do if they got their hands on your phone for just a few minutes…
Fortunately, Schütz reported the issue to Google as soon as he realised what was happening, and the tech giant pushed out an update to fix the problem within three months.
Credit: David Schütz.
However, not all Android users will have received this update yet (especially if you don't have a Google Pixel), so it's important that you check for updates in your phone's settings now and install any that are available as soon as possible.
If you're not sure how to do this, just follow these simple steps:
- Open up your phone's Settings app.
- Scroll down until you see 'System Update' (it might be under 'About Phone', depending on which version of Android you're using).
- Tap 'Check for Update'.
- If there are any updates available for your phone, follow the prompts to install them.
Once you've done this, your phone should be safe from security flaws, but it's always a good idea to be extra vigilant when it comes to keeping your personal information safe online.
So, make sure you have a strong password for your lock screen, avoid storing any sensitive information on your phone if possible, and never leave your phone unattended in a public place.
