If you’re carrying an Android phone, be on the lookout for a crucial update from Google. The tech giant has confirmed it has patched over 40 issues in its operating system, including one flaw that’s earned the notorious “zero-day” label.
This means that hackers are already exploiting the bug in the wild. Google has warned that a successful attack on this now-fixed issue could result in a physical escalation of privilege, Express reports.
According to the CIS security team, this “escalation of privilege” bug could allow attackers to install programmes, alter or delete data, and even create new accounts with full administrative rights.
In addition to fixing the “zero-day” vulnerability, Google’s latest update also addresses a “critical” flaw in Qualcomm’s WLAN component. This flaw has the potential to cause memory corruption on affected devices.
However, here’s where things get a bit tricky. If you own a Google phone, such as the latest Pixel, you should see this update almost immediately.
But if your device is made by another brand like Samsung or OnePlus, you might have to wait a bit longer. That’s because each manufacturer customises their Android versions, which need to be patched before being rolled out.
As Google notes: “Android partners are encouraged to fix all issues in this bulletin and use the latest security patch level.” Make sure to stay on top of your updates and ensure your device is running the latest version of Android for maximum security.
How to get the latest Android updates available for your device
To update your Android device, follow these steps:
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When you receive the update notification, simply open it and tap the update button.
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If you cleared the notification or your device has been offline:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap System, then Software update.
- Check the update status.
- Follow any on-screen instructions to complete the update.
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