Attention Android users still on versions 11 or earlier: A critical security update demands your immediate attention. Multiple hacking groups are targeting outdated Android devices with open-source mobile ransomware variants, prompting urgent warnings from cybersecurity experts.
Recently, Check Point issued an alert via Telegram, highlighting that devices that have reached end-of-life status are particularly vulnerable. These attacks have resulted in a concerning 60% success rate across more than 120 campaigns orchestrated by threat actors.
BlackBerry’s threat analysts underscored the broader risk, cautioning that all Android devices running versions 10 and earlier are susceptible to these threats.
According to Check Point’s findings, a significant 87.8% of vulnerable devices are still operating on Android versions 11 and earlier, whereas only 12.5% are on Android 12 and 13.
The vulnerable devices span various manufacturers including Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, Redmi, Motorola, OnePlus, Vivo, and Huawei, highlighting the widespread nature of the threat.
To mitigate these risks, users are strongly advised to promptly install the latest security updates and consider upgrading to newer Android operating systems whenever feasible. Leading OEMs such as Samsung and Motorola now offer smartphones with guaranteed minimum support of 2 OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates, making them a safer choice. Models like the Galaxy series from Samsung and Google Pixel series are recommended for users prioritizing security and longevity in their devices.
