Google steps up to the plate, releasing patches and monthly updates for Android devices - iOS user also beware

The latest Malware attempt against Android security is causing dismay, dread and fear among the Android community. Recent expert knowledge suggests Android phones can be infected very easily with picture messaging, allowing cyber criminals to capture audio and video recordings from the target's phone also gaining access to the user's phone data and other sensitive information, taking over complete control of a phone. This form of Malware attack is being dubbed ‘Stage-fright Android MMS virus’.

Since 2012 Google's Play Store offering android apps, has seen a dramatic increase in the number of app’s infected with malware. Cyber criminals have been creating and injecting malware-spreading apps in a sneaky attempt to steal personal data. The Android market alone has commanded 78 % of the global smartphone market in the first quarter of 2015. With new Android security breaches becoming more of a real problem, Google’s Sundar Pichai is stepping up to the plate and things are about to change!

Google has already started rolling out the patches to Nexus devices, but were yet to see, Samsung, Motorola, Asus, HTC, Sony and LG following suit. LG, Samsung & Motorola have announced plans to release new security updates for Android phones monthly, to address and prevent the threat of mobile privacy corruption, but most likely they will not surface till the end of August and no mention of previous patching at this stage.  The need for updates to be approved by carriers also means there could be delays in appropriating patches out to phones in a timely manner.

An easy way to check whether your device is vulnerable to ‘Stage-fright’

Download the free Stage fright Detector app from Lookout, and install the free Malware Bytes – Android anti malware for protection on the go.  

To further check released patches, most Android devices prompt you to head to -> settings > system updates. Unfortunately Android device owners are still awaiting pending security updates via carriers, device manufacturers to fully patch this vulnerability. Some security experts have revealed Google need to do more, especially in light of the announcement of ‘Google – Alphabet and Android Experiments’

Extra Measures your probably already know – but do you adhere to them?

Make these your frequent habits:

1. Lock your phone
2. Use protective security codes to protect private data.
3. Use time locks, for inactive devices.
4. Don’t ignore update alerts, run them ASAP.
5. Research apps before installing.
6. Be vigilant when using public wifi, avoid using public wifi to access personal data.
7. Turn off Bluetooth when it is not being used.

iOS users be on the lookout as well as Andriod is not the only target

iOS users should also be on alert as Hackers turn their attention to this operating system. A new breed of hack, involving the use of well know app’s like Facebook, Messenger, Twitter, Viber, Google Chrome, Skype, Telegram, VK, WeChat, WhatsApp, and Blackberry Messenger  has come to light. The hacker’s link to what you would perceive to be genuine downloads of the app, when in fact they are nothing but masques, and has been dubbed ‘The Masque Attack’ if in doubt only download apps from the Apple Store! Sources report that Apple claims to have fixed this problem, but for sure more can be expected in the coming future.

Written by

Louise Cairns