Android users must update their phones now over bugs that allow hackers to bypass passwords and hijack devices
ANDROID users have been told to update their phones immediately to fix two bugs that allowed hackers to hijack devices.
One bug, which meant hackers could install malware or steal files from devices without even needing a password, was already exploited in the wild before Google fixed it.
Google said it was a "high security vulnerability", and the most severe out of all the cyber flaws found.
"The severity assessment is based on the effect that exploiting the vulnerability would possibly have on an affected device," Google explained in a
The second bug allowed cyber crooks to control phones and make them crash from afar.
Fortunately, Google patched this before hackers spotted it.
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The February 2025 security update fixed nearly 50 cybersecurity flaws discovered in the previous Android software.
Mobile phone owners are strongly advised to install the latest security update as soon as it becomes available.
"Exploitation for many issues on Android is made more difficult by enhancements in newer versions of the Android platform," added Google.
"We encourage all users to update to the latest version of Android where possible."
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Google Pixel devices will receive the update immediately.
While Android phones from other manufacturers, like Samsung or Motorola, will receive it later.
Android owners should check their Settings, and look for either the the 2025-02-01 and 2025-02-05 security patch levels.
The Android security team closely monitors suspicious apps and files through Google Play Protect.
The feature, first introduced in 2022, checks apps to see if they're safe before you download them.
Google Play Protect has been beefed up with new AI-powered threat detection tools in recent years, which helped it block more than 2.36million apps from joining the Google Play store last year.
How does Google Play Protect work?
Here's what Google Play protect does...
- Checks Google Play store apps for safety before download
- Checks for non-Play store apps that may be harmful
- Warns you about harmful apps
- Deactivates or removes harmful apps
- Warns you about apps that violate policy by hiding or misrepresenting themselves
- Sends you privacy alerts about apps that can use permissions to access your personal data
- Reset app permissions to protect your privacy
Google's protection feature might not catch all instances of bad behaviour – so you still need to be careful online.
How to check if Google Play Protect is on
Open the Google Play store app and then tap your profile icon in the top right.
Next, tap Settings, and then look under About to see if your device is Play Protect certified.
To turn it on or off, open the Play store and then tap the profile icon.
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Tap Play Protect > Settings and then turn Scan Apps With Play Protect on or off.
You can activate this feature under Play Protect > Settings..
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