The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a new security alert for Android users in February 2025, warning of critical vulnerabilities that could put their data at risk. According to the report, security flaws in the system could allow hackers to steal sensitive information and execute arbitrary code on affected devices.
Android Versions AffectedThe newly identified security risk impacts Android 12, 12L, 13, 14, and the latest Android 15 versions. With over 5 crore smartphones in India running these versions, the threat is considered highly serious. Experts said the need for smartphone brands to address these vulnerabilities promptly to protect users from potential cyber attacks.
Security Lapses IdentifiedAccording to CERT-In, the security flaw has been detected in several critical components of Android devices, including:
- Android's framework and system
- ARM components
- Imagination Technologies components
- MediaTek chips
- Qualcomm chips and their closed-source components
Due to these hardware-related vulnerabilities, almost all Android smartphone brands and their users could be at risk of cyberattacks.
How to Secure Your Phone?The good news is that Google has already released a security update to address these issues. Android users are strongly advised to update their devices immediately to stay protected from potential threats.
Steps to Keep Your Android Phone Safe:
- Open your phone's Settings.
- Navigate to the System Updates option.
- Download and install the latest software updates.