Latest news with #AdamBoynton


Daily Record
6 days ago
- Daily Record
Android users given 'critical' warning and urged to restart their devices now
Google has released a vital update and has urged users to follow their advice. Android users are being urged to update their smartphones as soon as possible. A new security update from Google has been released that fixes bugs in the system that have been given a 'critical' rating. For those wanting to keep their devices safe, it is vital to follow the tech firm's advice. Fixing a total of six issues currently within Android's platform, everyone who uses the popular operating system is being urged to pay attention to the current security update. While this may seem like a smaller update compared to other months, this does not mean it should be ignored for a later date. In fact, one expert has said the criticality "cannot be understated". Adam Boynton, senior security manager EMEIS at Jamf, highlighted some of the key reasons why Android users should follow the Goolge advice. He said: "While August's Android Security Bulletin is lighter in volume compared to earlier this year, the criticality of the patched issues cannot be understated. "Perhaps most concerning is CVE‑2025‑48530, a critical system-level vulnerability allowing remote code execution without user interaction." This means that if Android users ignore this crucial update, they could be leaving their phone vulnerable to being overhauled and controlled by a hacker. The most worrying part is that the smartphone user wouldn't even be aware it was happening, reports the Express. On top of this, the latest system update also fixes an issue that could lead to targeted exploitation if ignored. This significant threat was discovered by tech giant Qualcomm. They confirmed: "There are indications from Google Threat Analysis Group that CVE-2025-21479, CVE-2025-21480, CVE-2025-27038 may be under limited, targeted exploitation. "Patches for the issues affecting the Adreno Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) driver have been made available to OEMs in May together with a strong recommendation to deploy the update on affected devices as soon as possible." While experts are unsure if Android users have been under attack by hackers, it is best to proceed with caution and update your device when alerted of a system upgrade. As Google provides their software and system updates to all Android devices, the Google Pixel smartphones will be the first to receive the update alert. Other manufacturers such as Samsung, OnePlus and Motorola will then send out their own updates in the coming weeks to provide the latest level of security to your phones. In order to not miss this update, it is important to keep an eye on your settings app. If there is a system update available, it is important to install it straight away and restart your device in order to provide an extra wall of security against current and future hacks. Hacking into your phone's system isn't the only way that cyber crooks can infiltrate your tech and steal your personal and financial data, they can also do so by controlling popular apps. Recently Action Fraud reported a spike in incidents on WhatsApp, which has seen hackers takeover accounts and start sending messages to your contacts to steal money and data. Those impacted by this attack have found themselves locked out of their accounts, which has stopped them from accessing their current chats or contacts to warn others of the breach. On X Action Fraud said: "Protect your WhatsApp account against hackers. We continue to see a rise in the number of reports relating to WhatsApp account takeovers." WhatsApp users can protect their accounts by authorising a two-step verification, being wary of any unexpected messages or requests and calling their contacts to help verify their identity. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.


Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Everyone using Android must restart their phones now as 'critical' warning issued
If you use Android it's worth checking the settings and restarting your device. There's a very important alert for all Android users this week, and everyone using this popular operating system must pay attention. Google has just released a vital security update which fixes a total of six issues with its smartphone platform. That already sounds scary but some of the bugs are so bad they have been given the 'critical' rating, which means the update should be installed as soon as possible. 'While August's Android Security Bulletin is lighter in volume compared to earlier this year, the criticality of the patched issues cannot be understated," Adam Boynton, Senior Security Strategy Manager EMEIA at Jamf explained. "Perhaps most concerning is CVE‑2025‑48530, a critical system-level vulnerability allowing remote code execution without user interaction." That warning basically means a hacker could take control of a phone, and the owner would be completely unaware. Another reason not to ignore the new release is that it fixes an issue discovered by tech giant Qualcomm, which could allow targeted exploitation - it remains a significant threat. "There are indications from Google Threat Analysis Group that CVE-2025-21479, CVE-2025-21480, CVE-2025-27038 may be under limited, targeted exploitation," Qualcomm confirmed. "Patches for the issues affecting the Adreno Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) driver have been made available to OEMs in May together with a strong recommendation to deploy the update on affected devices as soon as possible." It's unclear if consumers have been hit by the issue or faced attack from hackers but it's not a good idea to ignore this latest update or become complacent. Like all Android releases, Pixel phones will be the first to see the changes with other manufacturers then releasing their own fixes in the coming weeks. It's now a good idea to keep an eye on your settings. If you spot a systems update install it and restart your phone without delay. That will make sure it stays protected from any current or future attacks.


Daily Mirror
13-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Everyone with an Android phone put on red alert - check for update 'immediately'
Android phone owners must make sure their devices are fully up to date. If your chosen phone is powered by Android then you'd be wise to head to your settings and check for the latest update without delay. It's been confirmed that a new patch has been released and, although it's as not critical as last months upgrade, users are being urged to install it without delay. 'Although the latest Android security bulletin does not list any vulnerabilities currently known to be under exploitation, we still strongly recommend that Android users update their devices immediately,' said Adam Boynton, Senior Security Strategy Manager EMEIA at security firm Jamf. 'The majority of the fixes are within the Android framework, which provides the foundation for building Android applications and is therefore an attractive target for cybercriminals. Exploiting the most severe vulnerability could allow an attacker to gain elevated access and administrative rights.' The most urgent upgrades from Google are ones that have been given the dreaded "zero day" rating. These flaws mean cyber crooks are aware of the glitch and are actively exploring it. Luckily that's not the case this month but Android users should still be on high alert and make sure their phones are fully updated. That's because anyone running older Android software versions is technically open to attack. There are four vulnerabilities located within the Android system component, caused by improper input validation,' Jamf's Boynton said. 'CVE-2025-26453, CVE-2025-26445, and CVE-2025-26441 could allow a local application to gain access to sensitive information, while exploitation of CVE-2025-26443 could allow a local application to execute arbitrary code. 'The release provides a window of opportunity to get ahead of cybercriminals; it appears that none of the vulnerabilities addressed in the June security bulletin have yet to be exploited in the wild, making this the perfect time to patch all supported devices.' Pixel phones will almost certainly get this latest patch first with the manufactures such as Samsung, OnePlus, Sony, Xiaomi, Honor then following after. Android firms are getting better at supporting phones for longer, too. Samsung, Google and Honor all offer seven years of updates for many of their latest phones, though other companies are lagging behind. If you have quite an old Android phone, it may have stopped receiving free security updates - a reason for you to consider upgrading to a newer supported handset.


Daily Mirror
08-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Everyone with an Android phone put on red alert - check for update 'immediatley'
Android phone owners must make sure their devices are fully up to date. If your chosen phone is powered by Android then you'd be wise to head to your settings and check for the latest update without delay. It's been confirmed that a new patch has been released and, although it's as not critical as last months upgrade, users are being urged to install it without delay. 'Although the latest Android security bulletin does not list any vulnerabilities currently known to be under exploitation, we still strongly recommend that Android users update their devices immediately,' said Adam Boynton, Senior Security Strategy Manager EMEIA at security firm Jamf. 'The majority of the fixes are within the Android framework, which provides the foundation for building Android applications and is therefore an attractive target for cybercriminals. Exploiting the most severe vulnerability could allow an attacker to gain elevated access and administrative rights.' The most urgent upgrades from Google are ones that have been given the dreaded "zero day" rating. These flaws mean cyber crooks are aware of the glitch and are actively exploring it. Luckily that's not the case this month but Android users should still be on high alert and make sure their phones are fully updated. That's because anyone running older Android software versions is technically open to attack. There are four vulnerabilities located within the Android system component, caused by improper input validation,' Jamf's Boynton said. 'CVE-2025-26453, CVE-2025-26445, and CVE-2025-26441 could allow a local application to gain access to sensitive information, while exploitation of CVE-2025-26443 could allow a local application to execute arbitrary code. 'The release provides a window of opportunity to get ahead of cybercriminals; it appears that none of the vulnerabilities addressed in the June security bulletin have yet to be exploited in the wild, making this the perfect time to patch all supported devices.' Pixel phones will almost certainly get this latest patch first with the manufactures such as Samsung, OnePlus, Sony, Xiaomi, Honor then following after. Android firms are getting better at supporting phones for longer, too. Samsung, Google and Honor all offer seven years of updates for many of their latest phones, though other companies are lagging behind. If you have quite an old Android phone, it may have stopped receiving free security updates - a reason for you to consider upgrading to a newer supported handset.


Wales Online
06-06-2025
- Wales Online
Android users urged to update their phones 'immediately' for this reason
Android users urged to update their phones 'immediately' for this reason A new security update has been released and anyone with an Android phone is being encouraged to install the new software as soon as possible Those with Google Pixel phones will receive the latest security updates first (Image:) Android phone users are being urged to update their devices with the latest software following the release of Google's monthly security bulletin. This typically reaches Android users with Google Pixel phones first. In May, Google rolled out security enhancements that rectified a significant vulnerability that could have been exploited by hackers, potentially exposing phone owners to malicious attacks. Fortunately, this is not the case this month, but the advice remains to keep your phone updated with the most recent software. "Although the latest Android security bulletin does not list any vulnerabilities currently known to be under exploitation, we still strongly recommend that Android users update their devices immediately," stated Adam Boynton, EMEIA senior security strategy manager at security firm Jamf. "The majority of the fixes are within the Android framework, which provides the foundation for building Android applications and is therefore an attractive target for cybercriminals. Exploiting the most severe vulnerability could allow an attacker to gain elevated access and administrative rights." The terminology used to describe security updates can often be quite technical, just as the likelihood of you being targeted by cybercrime is relatively minimal. However, Android is updated monthly for a reason and anyone running older software versions is technically vulnerable to attack, reports the Express. Google releases these updates free to all Android manufacturers, enabling them to deliver these upgrades to their customers' smartphones. This includes giants such as Samsung, OnePlus, Sony, Xiaomi and Honor, allowing them to keep your device up-to-date, albeit with a delay for the recent models. Article continues below The update also affects Samsung Galaxy phone users (Image: Getty Images ) Android producers are improving at sustaining support for their devices over more extended periods too. Samsung, Google and Honor have committed to seven years of updates for several of their newest phones, although other brands still have some catching up to do. Those in possession of an ageing Android phone will have noticed they no longer receive regular security updates – a sign that it's time to switch to a more modern model. Adam said: "There are four vulnerabilities located within the Android system component, caused by improper input validation. CVE-2025-26453, CVE-2025-26445 and CVE-2025-26441 could allow a local application to gain access to sensitive information, while exploitation of CVE-2025-26443 could allow a local application to execute arbitrary code. "The release provides a window of opportunity to get ahead of cybercriminals; it appears that none of the vulnerabilities addressed in the June security bulletin have yet to be exploited in the wild, making this the perfect time to patch all supported devices." This month, Google says it is one step ahead of the cybercriminals, so updating your device will ensure you're protected. However, if you fail to do so, you could leave yourself vulnerable to future hacks. Article continues below Regularly updating your phone software is simply good tech hygiene. You should be able to configure your Android phone to download these updates automatically, but you can also manually check for system updates in your device's Settings app. If there isn't an update available yet, keep checking throughout the month. If none appears, it may indicate that your phone is no longer receiving these crucial free upgrades.