1 billion Android phones susceptible to hacking – find out if yours is at risk

Even though Apple was first to introduce its smartphone, there are more Android users worldwide. It’s true. Android overtook iPhone in market shares back in 2010 and has held the title ever since.

The sheer number of Android devices makes them prime targets for cybercriminals. That’s why malicious Android apps are popping up constantly. See 17 apps you must delete ASAP:

Am I at risk for Riskware? What are the names of the malicious apps?

Unlike previous incidents where Google quietly removed the offending programs before anyone has a chance to do any research, Bitdefender kindly provided their names. If you have any of these programs on your phone, you should delete them immediately:

• Car Racing 2019
• 4K Wallpaper (Background 4K Full HD)
• Backgrounds 4K HD
• QR Code Reader & Barcode Scanner Pro
• File Manager Pro – Manager SD Card/Explorer
• VMOWO City: Speed Racing 3D
• Barcode Scanner
• Screen Stream Mirroring
• QR Code – Scan & Read a Barcode
• Period Tracker – Cycle Ovulation Women’s
• QR & Barcode Scan Reader
• Wallpapers 4K, Backgrounds HD
• Transfer Data Smart
• Explorer File Manager
• Today Weather Radar
• Mobnet.io: Big Fish Frenzy
• Clock LED

But to fend off these nasty attacks you have to be proactive. Sadly, about 1 billion Android gadgets were found to be susceptible to a new attack — and there’s nothing you can do about it. Is yours at risk?

Is keeping your devices protected an impossible task?

One of the best ways to keep your gadgets protected from the latest risks is to make sure you’re constantly updating their operating systems and installed apps. That’s because many of those updates include security patches for known vulnerabilities. Downloading and installing them will help stop hackers in their tracks.

But there’s one huge problem: A recent study by Which? showed up to two out of every five Android users no longer get security updates from Google. That means there are close to 1 billion devices at risk of being hacked.

You’re probably asking yourself why Androids aren’t receiving updates. Great question. The answer is the devices are no longer supported by Google.

At-risk Androids

Unlike Apple, which supports its devices for at least 5 years after release, Google only supports Android phones for 3 years. That makes tons of Android devices outdated and vulnerable to attacks.

Researchers used a handful of Android phones to conduct the study, including models from Sony, Motorola, Samsung and Google.

Here are some steps to take if you have an older Android:

First, check to see which version of Android you’re running. Open Settings >> System >> Advanced >> System update. Here, you will see which operating system your device is running. If it’s not on Android 7.0 Nougat or later, try to update.

To update your device: While you’re in the System update section, follow the on-screen instructions to run the update. If your device can’t be updated to a newer version, it’s time to think about upgrading to a new phone. If you don’t, your gadget is at risk of being hacked.

The worst offenders are those devices running Android 4 or older. They are wide open to attacks and you should proceed with caution.