Introduction
Are you an Android mobile user? Then, you should be familiar with the vulnerabilities of the Android Operating System to keep cyber attacks from your device at bay.
Having updated knowledge about the latest Android security loopholes helps you to become a responsible user.
In addition, you can also be conscious about how your device can get exposed to various security threats. As a result, you can take precautions accordingly.
Note that cybercriminals do not need to get physical access to your device to compromise security. In fact, they can remotely access your device and steal sensitive information that could severely cost you later.
Top 5 Android Mobile Vulnerabilities and Strategies to prevent them
It is time for you to check out five of the latest Android mobile vulnerabilities and their remedial measures:
1.Stagefright Vulnerability:
Did you know Android Stagefright Media Library was found to contain several vulnerabilities? Stagefright vulnerabilities enable cybercriminals to send MMS messages to an Android device.
Thus, they can activate the vulnerability to that target device without getting noticed by the user. Do you use an Android device of version 2.0 or above? Then, you have to be cautious about the exploitation of Stagefright vulnerability by attackers.
Preventive Measures
- Do not open every MMS message that you receive on your Android mobile. Always verify the sender first and make your decision accordingly.
- Do you want to stop receiving MMS messages on your device? Then, you can disable MMS altogether.
- On the other hand, you can move to the device manufacturer and install all the needed patches. Then, you can consider enabling MMS on your mobile at your convenience.
- Do not forget to keep your Android device updated with all the latest patches from time to time to keep hackers at bay.
How to Disable MMS?
- Visit “Settings” and then “Wireless and Networks” and “Mobile Network.”
- It is time to choose your latest APN (Access Point Name). Next, you can remove or deactivate the settings for MMSC, MMS port, and MMS proxy.
2.BlueBorne:
Armis, Inc. discovered the BlueBorne vulnerability. According to this security company, the BlueBorne vector is spread from one Android device to another via Bluetooth.
That means the hacker can easily access the infected device even without touching it. Not only Android devices but IoT devices and computers are also susceptible to the BlueBorne vulnerability.
The BlueBorne vulnerability enables cybercriminals to spot a device to get connected to it via Bluetooth. Upon the successful connection, hackers can remotely access and control the target device.
Unlike the Stagefright vulnerability, BlueBorne is not fully secretive. Users can track something usual if they notice the sudden “wake up” of their devices.
How to Prevent?
- Never forget to update your Android device from time to time. Moreover, it is better if you stop using backdated IoT devices.
- It is the responsibility of the professionals in the electronics field to patch BlueBorne vectors and prevent them from spreading further.
- Sadly, unpopular devices may be prone to this attack. Hence, choose an Android device wisely while purchasing.
3.Certifi-Gate Vulnerability:
Mobile Remote Support Tools or mRSTs are susceptible to certificate verification vulnerabilities. Most Android phones come pre-installed with mRSTs. Uninformed users can easily fall into the traps of hackers by misjudging these vulnerabilities as authentic programs.
Moreover, Certifi-Gate vulnerabilities need only a couple of permissions to win the trust of innocent users. Cybercriminals exploit these vulnerabilities to access the compromised Android device.
Certifi-Gate is a hard-to-spot and dangerous vulnerability, as it can gain full access to the target device and steal sensitive data.
Note that hackers can access your Android device after exploiting application security certificates. Sadly, the Android Operating System does not come with all the needed patches to cancel these infected certificates.
How to prevent Certifi-Gate Vulnerability?
- Always install apps from verified app stores and stay away from suspicious sources.
- Keep on updating your Android phone’s mobile security software from time to time.
- It is a good practice to make use of secure browsing applications. Thus, you can keep intruders at bay to access your browsing sessions.
- Does your device get connected to the internet most of the time? Then, consider leveraging the power of an internet security suite.
What to do if your device gets compromised?
Start uninstalling all suspicious applications from your device at the earliest. Contact your device manufacturer and get the OS update to control the situation.
4.Binary Protection:
If an Android device is not fully rooted, it can be susceptible to security threats. Rooting is imperative when it comes to combining data encryption and data protection.
Hence, if hackers spot faulty rooting on a device, they can run malicious codes to get full control and access the sensitive information.
Preventive Measures
Always verify the source of an app before installing it on your device. You have to be more cautious if the app is rooted, as some rooted applications can copy the device data being unnoticed by the user. Then, the data is made available to hackers. So, install apps from only secure app stores.
5.Humming Bad:
Yingmob created Humming Bad, which is a dangerous virus. It has already infected over 10 million Android devices.
This malware generates fake ad revenue to deceive innocent users. It keeps on installing more and more malware on the device.
The most threatening part of Humming Bad is its ability to get root access to the device. That means hackers can control the compromised device in the way they want.
Preventive Measures
- Do you want to stay safe from the Humming Bad virus? Then, you can opt for running a factory reset. Next, set a new password for your Google account from your PC.
- Leverage the power of the preventive measures stated above and ensure the safety of your Android device against the top five vulnerabilities.
