01-05-2025
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.
