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Android Security stage fright

  • 13-09-2015 9:48pm
    #1
    JJJJNR
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,791 ✭✭✭


    I was reading on various sites, that there’s a security flaw on android phones, that is you receive a graphics text message from within an app, they can basically manipulate your phone and view everything.

    Is this true, I've removed my banking app from my phone and refuse to buy anything using it, should I be concerned, and go back to using my nokia, until I get a new phone.


Comments

  • #2
    Squeeonline
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,570 ✭✭✭Squeeonline


    congratulations! You have been infected with media-fear.

    Yes there is a security issue with android (one of many, and iOS has them too). Android/google has patched the bug but it could be a while before it's patched on non-flagship devices or devices that aren't regularly receiving updates.

    You can go to MMS settings and just turn off auto download. MMS are rare in Ireland anyway since everyone uses whatsapp/facebook/viber/etc which are free. Just don't download MMS from numbers you aren't expecting a message from. You'll be fine.


  • #3
    god's toy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,241 ✭✭✭god's toy


    Anyway by the way Android now works with writing to memory blocks (If your phone has android 4.4 or later) by using random block writes, it is almost impossible for this vulnerability to get hold of your device.

    Even without the 'fix' it's really an non issue (again if your 4.4 or newer)

    But those security apps need to make people rush out install 'the fix' so they will make the biggest deal out of anything that can get people to jump at every chance.

    Stick with the official Play store and you'll be fine.


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