Latest news with #Android12L
India.com
06-05-2025
- India.com
Bad news for millions of Android users, they might have to replace their phones due to..., Google's new update is...
Google's Android operating system powers smartphones for millions of people around the world, including in India. But now, many users might soon need to upgrade their devices — especially those using phones running Android 12 or older versions. Google is shifting to a new tool called the Play Integrity API. This system is designed to help app developers detect fraud, bots, and other forms of misuse. It replaces older security methods and gives developers better insights into how their apps are being used. Better protection against unauthorized access Google claims that by using this new API, apps will be much safer. According to their data, it can reduce unauthorized access by up to 80 per cent. That means apps will be more secure and less likely to be misused on devices that meet the latest standards. How will it affect older android devices? The Play Integrity API is built to work best with Android 13 and newer versions. For those still using Android 12 or earlier, this could mean trouble. Some apps might stop working properly or lose support altogether. In fact, from May 2025, using the updated API will become mandatory for all app developers. Developers will also be able to monitor how their apps behave on different versions of Android — and may choose to stop supporting older ones for performance or security reasons. What should you do? If you're using an older Android phone, it's a good idea to: Check your current Android version in your phone's settings. Consider upgrading your device if it runs Android 12 or earlier. Keep an eye on app updates — if some stop working, this might be the reason. Millions of users could be affected According to Google's latest data, only about half of all Android users currently use Android 13 or a newer version. Roughly 200 million users are still using Android 12 or Android 12L. Google has stopped providing security patches for both these versions, which increases the risk of cyberattacks for users on older devices. Older phones may need to be replaced If you're using a phone with Android 12 or an earlier version, you may be left with two options: Hope your smartphone manufacturer rolls out a new update — which is unlikely for older models and could be costly. Upgrade to a new phone that supports Android 13 or newer to continue receiving full app support and security protection.
Scottish Sun
01-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Major Google banking warning as millions of phones risk being declared ‘unsafe' – and it might block money transfers
Read more to see if this could be your phone PING ALERT Major Google banking warning as millions of phones risk being declared 'unsafe' – and it might block money transfers Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MOBILE technology experts are putting out a security alert to millions of smartphone users. It follows a recent report from Google that has highlighted a potential risk that individuals with an Android could be facing. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Experts say "its not worth the risk" to have an old version of an Android phone Credit: Getty In the report, it is suggested that there are greater security measures in place on phones running Android 13 or newer, particularly for sensitive apps like those used for banking, finance or secure enterprise. Additionally, the system of new Android versions may also start requiring devices to have received a security update within the past year to allow them to function. This includes key functions in operating banking apps, or transferring money, which might get blocked. Smartphone updates therefore prove to not only be a mechanism for updating features, but also essential fixes for security holes that have been found in Android. It makes them safer from hackers and other bad actors who hunt for these flaws, who particularly focus on banking and finance apps. Compromised apps, which may have unpatched vulnerability on older phones, enable cyber-criminals to slip in malware which can steal passwords, watch what you are typing or even make transfers without you knowing. These updates should therefore also be done regularly. By Google implementing a requirement for Androids to have recent patches on phones, it is attempting to establish a stronger base line of security for users' sensitive applications and information. The Phone Arena says: "To be on the safe side, if your Android device is currently running Android 12, Android 12L or lower, updating the OS to Android 13 or newer is one of the most secure things you can do. "If this is the scenario you are left with, another option is to just go ahead and shell out the money to buy a new Android handset." Three little-known ways 'unknown tracker alerts' on Android can keep you safe They report that one-third of active Android phones are susceptible attacks as they have "completely lost support" from Google. This is with the 200 million users who are out there with a Android 12 or Android 12L powered device, that have reached end-of-life status. Phone Arena's mobile technology experts also warn that phones stuck on Android 10, 11 or 12 cannot pass new security checks because manufacturers are not even send out fixes for them anymore. "They aren't just missing recent patches; they stopped getting any security patches quite some time ago, maybe months or even years back." On top of that is the fact that "millions upon millions of older Android phones are already well past their security update cutoff date." This comes after another Google report revealed cyber flaws in Android last month. It found 62 flaws in the Android update for April, with two being actively exploited by hackers in their targeted attacks.
The Sun
01-05-2025
- The Sun
Major Google banking warning as millions of phones risk being declared ‘unsafe' – and it might block money transfers
MOBILE technology experts are putting out a security alert to millions of smartphone users. It follows a recent report from Google that has highlighted a potential risk that individuals with an Android could be facing. 1 In the report, it is suggested that there are greater security measures in place on phones running Android 13 or newer, particularly for sensitive apps like those used for banking, finance or secure enterprise. Additionally, the system of new Android versions may also start requiring devices to have received a security update within the past year to allow them to function. This includes key functions in operating banking apps, or transferring money, which might get blocked. Smartphone updates therefore prove to not only be a mechanism for updating features, but also essential fixes for security holes that have been found in Android. It makes them safer from hackers and other bad actors who hunt for these flaws, who particularly focus on banking and finance apps. Compromised apps, which may have unpatched vulnerability on older phones, enable cyber-criminals to slip in malware which can steal passwords, watch what you are typing or even make transfers without you knowing. These updates should therefore also be done regularly. By Google implementing a requirement for Androids to have recent patches on phones, it is attempting to establish a stronger base line of security for users' sensitive applications and information. The Phone Arena says: "To be on the safe side, if your Android device is currently running Android 12, Android 12L or lower, updating the OS to Android 13 or newer is one of the most secure things you can do. "If this is the scenario you are left with, another option is to just go ahead and shell out the money to buy a new Android handset." Three little-known ways 'unknown tracker alerts' on Android can keep you safe They report that one-third of active Android phones are susceptible attacks as they have "completely lost support" from Google. This is with the 200 million users who are out there with a Android 12 or Android 12L powered device, that have reached end-of-life status. Phone Arena's mobile technology experts also warn that phones stuck on Android 10, 11 or 12 cannot pass new security checks because manufacturers are not even send out fixes for them anymore. "They aren't just missing recent patches; they stopped getting any security patches quite some time ago, maybe months or even years back." On top of that is the fact that "millions upon millions of older Android phones are already well past their security update cutoff date." This comes after another Google report revealed cyber flaws in Android last month. It found 62 flaws in the Android update for April, with two being actively exploited by hackers in their targeted attacks. SIGNS YOUR ANDROID PHONE IS INFECTED Here's Google's official list of signs that you might have malware on your Android phone... You may have malware on your device if: Google signed you out of your Google Account to help protect you from malware on your device. You notice suspicious signs on your device, like pop-up ads that won't go away. Device symptoms Alerts about a virus or an infected device Anti-virus software you use no longer works or runs A significant decrease in your device's operating speed A significant, unexpected decrease in storage space on your device Your device stops working properly or working altogether Browser symptoms Alerts about a virus or an infected device Pop-up ads and new tabs that won't go away Unwanted Chrome extensions or toolbars keep coming back Your browsing seems out of your control, and redirects to unfamiliar pages or ads Your Chrome homepage or search engine keeps changing without your permission Other symptoms Your contacts have received emails or social media messages from you, but you didn't send the emails or messages.
The Irish Sun
01-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Major Google banking warning as millions of phones risk being declared ‘unsafe' – and it might block money transfers
MOBILE technology experts are putting out a security alert to millions of smartphone users. It follows a recent report from Google that has highlighted a potential risk that individuals with an Android could be facing. 1 Experts say "its not worth the risk" to have an old version of an Android phone Credit: Getty In the report, it is suggested that there are greater security measures in place on phones running Additionally, the system of new Android versions may also start requiring devices to have received a security update within the past year to allow them to function. This includes key functions in operating banking apps, or transferring money, which might get blocked. Smartphone updates therefore prove to not only be a mechanism for updating features, but also essential fixes for security holes that have been found in Android. Read More Tech News It makes them safer from hackers and other bad actors who hunt for these flaws, who particularly focus on banking and finance apps. Compromised apps, which may have unpatched vulnerability on older phones, enable These updates should therefore also be done regularly. By Google implementing a requirement for Androids to have recent patches on phones, it is attempting to establish a stronger base line of security for users' sensitive applications and information. Most read in Tech The "If this is the scenario you are left with, another option is to just go ahead and shell out the money to buy a new Android handset." Three little-known ways 'unknown tracker alerts' on Android can keep you safe They report that one-third of active Android phones are susceptible attacks as they have "completely lost support" from Google. This is with the 200 million users who are out there with a Android 12 or Android 12L powered device, that have reached end-of-life status. Phone Arena's mobile technology experts also warn that phones stuck on Android 10, 11 or 12 cannot pass new security checks because manufacturers are not even send out fixes for them anymore. "They aren't just missing recent patches; they stopped getting any security patches quite some time ago, maybe months or even years back." On top of that is the fact that "millions upon millions of older are already well past their security update cutoff date ." This comes after another It found 62 flaws in the Android update for April, with two being actively exploited by hackers in their targeted attacks. SIGNS YOUR ANDROID PHONE IS INFECTED Here's Google's official list of signs that you might have malware on your Android phone... You may have malware on your device if: Google signed you out of your Google Account to help protect you from malware on your device. You notice suspicious signs on your device, like pop-up ads that won't go away. Device symptoms Alerts about a virus or an infected device Anti-virus software you use no longer works or runs A significant decrease in your device's operating speed A significant, unexpected decrease in storage space on your device Your device stops working properly or working altogether Browser symptoms Alerts about a virus or an infected device Pop-up ads and new tabs that won't go away Unwanted Chrome extensions or toolbars keep coming back Your browsing seems out of your control, and redirects to unfamiliar pages or ads Your Chrome homepage or search engine keeps changing without your permission Other symptoms Your contacts have received emails or social media messages from you, but you didn't send the emails or messages.
