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Android Security

All articles tagged with #android security

Silent Support End: How to Verify Your Android Phone’s Security Status
technology3 days ago

Silent Support End: How to Verify Your Android Phone’s Security Status

Android devices do not notify users when security support ends, creating a false sense of safety. Users can check their last patch date in settings, but must consult external databases like endoflife.date to confirm if future updates are available. Manufacturers offer varying support windows, with Google and Samsung now providing up to seven years for flagships, while the EU mandates a minimum of five years for new devices sold in the region.

September Pixel Update Locks Out Some Users, Sparking Data Recovery Concerns
technology12 days ago

September Pixel Update Locks Out Some Users, Sparking Data Recovery Concerns

Google’s September 2026 Pixel update has caused lock screen failures for a subset of users, rendering pattern and PIN entry invalid. While the update introduces new features like Pixel VIPs, the critical bug forces some owners to factory reset their devices to regain access, highlighting risks in Android’s credential-encrypted storage system.

OnePlus 15 Root Exploit Exposes Flawed Debugging Services Across OPPO Devices
cybersecurity12 days ago

OnePlus 15 Root Exploit Exposes Flawed Debugging Services Across OPPO Devices

Security researcher Rasmus Moorats disclosed two unpatched flaws in OxygenOS that allow installed apps to gain root access without permissions. The exploit chains a debugging service with a hardware helper to bypass Android restrictions. OnePlus confirmed the issues affect multiple brands but withheld fixes and threatened legal action against the researcher.

Pixel Modem Flaw Under Limited Exploitation Prompts Urgent Patch
security24 days ago

Pixel Modem Flaw Under Limited Exploitation Prompts Urgent Patch

Google says a high-severity flaw in Pixel's cellular modem (CVE-2026-58704) is being exploited in the wild via targeted, zero-click attacks that could bypass permissions and escalate privileges. A September 2026 patch set fixes this and 109 other flaws, including kernel privilege escalations and remote code execution. CISA added CVE-2026-58704 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list with a patch deadline for federal agencies; users should update to the latest Pixel security level (2026-09-05 or newer) under Settings > Security & privacy.

Samsung's September 2026 Patch Targets 90 Flaws Across Galaxy Devices
technology1 month ago

Samsung's September 2026 Patch Targets 90 Flaws Across Galaxy Devices

Samsung detailed the September 2026 security patch for Galaxy devices, addressing 90 vulnerabilities (58 Google-origin fixes: 18 Critical, 40 High; 31 Samsung Mobile fixes: 2 Critical, 3 High, 15 Moderate; 11 with undisclosed severity) plus one High-risk fix from Samsung Semiconductor. Forty Google issues aren’t applicable to Galaxy, and one issue was resolved in a prior update. Rollout to eligible devices will begin soon.

Free Movie Device Turns Your Home Network Into a Botnet
cybersecurity1 month ago

Free Movie Device Turns Your Home Network Into a Botnet

Security researchers warn that streaming devices like the SuperBox S7 Pro can be hijacked to form residential proxy networks, letting attackers route illicit traffic through home connections. Malicious apps can be remotely installed with root access, the Android ADB port exposed and unprotected, bypassing protections and turning devices into nodes for botnets or DDoS networks; the problem is widespread, and users are urged to disconnect and discard such devices.

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 boosts mobile security with SIM timeline and new attack alerts
authority-insights-news1 month ago

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 boosts mobile security with SIM timeline and new attack alerts

Google's Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 adds a SIM security timeline to log modem-detected threats (IMEI/IMSI), a SIM security info screen detailing active encryption ciphers across calls, SMS, and data, and new notifications warning about a broader range of cellular attacks (DoS, jamming, imprisonment, downgrade, location tracking).

Google shuts down 9-million-device residential proxy network tied to IPIDEA
technology8 months ago

Google shuts down 9-million-device residential proxy network tied to IPIDEA

Google's Threat Analysis Group dismantled a massive IPIDEA-linked residential proxy network that covertly turned up to 9 million Android devices into data exit nodes via bundled SDKs; with a federal court order, Google shut down the backend infrastructure, marking the largest such takedown. IPIDEA claimed legitimate purposes, but the system exploited Android permissions and wasn't traditional malware, highlighting the risk of SDK-based data flows and the dangers of downloading apps from sketchy sources.

Samsung App Hints at One UI 9 Preview
technology9 months ago

Samsung App Hints at One UI 9 Preview

Samsung has released the December 2025 security update for various Galaxy devices in the US, including the Galaxy S24 series, which enhances security with 68 fixes and introduces improvements for system stability. Additionally, Samsung is working on One UI 8.5, with hints of new camera features and ongoing testing for the Galaxy S23 FE and other models, leading up to the upcoming Galaxy S26 series.

Google's July Pixel Updates Bring Fixes and Compensation for Pixel 6a Owners
technology1 year ago

Google's July Pixel Updates Bring Fixes and Compensation for Pixel 6a Owners

Google has released the July 2025 software update for supported Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6a, which introduces security patches, performance improvements, and initiates the Pixel 6a's Battery Performance Program, potentially affecting battery life for impacted devices after 400 charge cycles. Notably, the update excludes the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro and contains no Android security patches this month.

Remove These 15 Risky Apps with 8 Million Downloads
technology1 year ago

Remove These 15 Risky Apps with 8 Million Downloads

A new warning has been issued about "SpyLoan" apps, which have been installed on over 8 million Android devices. These apps, identified by McAfee, exploit social engineering tactics to extract sensitive information and money from users. Despite being available on the Google Play Store, these apps engage in permission abuse and malicious practices. Google has removed some of these apps and advises users to enable Play Protect and regularly update their devices to avoid such threats.

"Google Pixel Devices Receive March 2024 Security Update and Feature Enhancements"
technology2 years ago

"Google Pixel Devices Receive March 2024 Security Update and Feature Enhancements"

Google has released the March 2024 Pixel Feature Drop, bringing the latest Android security patches to Pixel devices, including the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet. The update includes critical security fixes and is also being rolled out to supported non-Pixel devices according to each manufacturer's update policy. Additionally, the Pixel Watch is receiving the update, although the security bulletin for it lacks details on the vulnerabilities addressed.

"SecuriDropper: Android Cybercrime Service Bypasses Google's Security with Malware"
cybersecurity2 years ago

"SecuriDropper: Android Cybercrime Service Bypasses Google's Security with Malware"

A new cybercrime operation called 'SecuriDropper' has been discovered, using a method to bypass Android's 'Restricted Settings' feature and install malware on devices. This feature was designed to prevent side-loaded applications from accessing powerful features like Accessibility Services and Notification Listener. SecuriDropper poses as legitimate apps, such as Google apps or security apps, and installs a second payload that is some form of malware. The operation obtains permissions through user deception and interface manipulation. This is the first observed case of this method being used in cybercrime operations targeting Android users.

Google's May Update Brings New Features to Pixel Phones and Pixel Watch
technology3 years ago

Google's May Update Brings New Features to Pixel Phones and Pixel Watch

Google Pixel phones are receiving the May Android security update, with bug fixes for touch screen response on the Pixel 7 Pro and lock screen UI elements overlapping with the home screen launcher interface on all Pixel devices. The update is available for Pixel 4a up through Pixel 7 Pro, and users can either wait for the over-the-air update or manually update using factory images or OTA files.