Centre issues high-severity warning for Android: Is your phone safe?
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, has issued a high-severity warning regarding multiple security flaws in Android. The vulnerabilities could allow unauthorized data access, system instability, and potential data breaches. The flaws affect Android versions 12 to 15. They impact a range of devices from smartphones to tablets, watches, and other embedded systems running on the affected versions.
Flaws originate from various components within Android ecosystem
The security flaws flagged by CERT-In stem from different parts of the Android ecosystem. They include the Framework, System, Google Play system updates, and Kernel. Further, certain vulnerabilities have also been found in components from leading hardware vendors like MediaTek, Qualcomm, and Imagination Technologies. If exploited, these vulnerabilities could give attackers access to sensitive information on the device or elevated privileges for unauthorized system control.
Potential risks and recommended actions
The potential risks of these flaws are rated high, stressing the need for users and OEMs to patch them immediately. CERT-In recommends Android users and OEMs to remain vigilant and install updates as soon as they are available. They are critical to reduce the risks and prevent exploitation. Along with updates, CERT-In also recommends downloading apps only from trusted sources like Google Play Store and avoiding sideloading apps from unverified platforms as they may carry malware.
Additional security measures suggested by CERT-In
CERT-In also advises users to enable built-in security features like app permissions, two-factor authentication, and device encryption to limit exposure. Users should also remain alert for abnormal behavior like unexpected crashes or rapid battery drain, which could be a sign of potential exploitation. Once an update is available, users can update their Android phones by heading over to Settings > System Upgrade and installing the available update.
