Android warning: Update now to avoid a serious security flaw
There are tons of reasons to use Android devices. Any Android fan can tell you that having an open-source operating system is a better choice for them over the other, more restrictive options.
That open-source platform means you not only have more app options, but you can also play amateur developer with your device. There are tons of third-party apps available for Android that aren’t available for iOS devices due to the security restrictions — and many more options for customizing your device. Tap or click here to see Android 11 features we’re most excited about.
But while the Android operating system certainly has its perks, there have been some serious issues, too — including some critical flaws that could get you hacked. Google just rolled out the latest security patch for Android, and if you’re concerned about your device’s security, you need to download it ASAP. Here’s what the update covers.
These critical Android flaws need to be patched right now
The new January 2021 security patch for Android was just released, and if you’re using an Android tablet or phone, you need to download it right away. This security update fixes a whopping 43 different flaws, two of which are critical vulnerabilities.
The most severe of these threats may put you at risk of being hacked. If that happens, the hacker could use a specially crafted transmission to run dangerous code on your device from a remote location. That’s bad news for your device.
Another critical flaw this update fixes could allow hackers to launch permanent denial of service attacks on your device. These types of attacks let hackers shut down a device or network, making it completely useless to the person who’s supposed to be using it.
They are generally carried out by flooding or crashing servers with unnecessary and arbitrary requests. This prevents legitimate requests from being fulfilled, causing issues for the person trying to use the device.
Given the serious nature of these flaws, you’re going to want to download this new security patch as soon as possible. That’s not even counting the other 41 flaws it fixes — which range from high severity to moderate.
The update covers a wide range of Android operating systems: 8.0, 8.1, 9, 10 and 11 — all of which need to be updated with this patch. However, those using the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL won’t receive this update. The updates for these versions of the Google Pixel ended in December 2020 after three years of support. So, if you’re using a Google Pixel or Pixel 2, you won’t be able to patch these flaws.
If you’re using a newer Pixel device, you’re covered under this patch. That includes Pixel 3, Pixel 4 and Pixel 5 devices.
How to update your Android device
If you’re using a Pixel or Nexus phone covered under the update, you’ll get the latest Android version directly from Google. If you bought your device from the Google Store, the update would typically reach your device within 2 weeks. If you bought your device elsewhere, the updates could take longer to get to you.
Update schedules vary by device, manufacturer and mobile carrier.
- If you have a Pixel phone or Nexus device, find out when you’ll get the update here.
- If you have another Android device, contact your manufacturer or carrier for info.
You should get a notification when the update has rolled out to your device. When you get a notification, open it and tap the update action.
Related: Android update fixes major security flaws
If you cleared your notification or your device has been offline, you can still update your phone. Here’s how:
- Open your phone’s Settings app.
- Near the bottom, tap System > Advanced > System update.
- You’ll see your update status.
- Follow any steps on the screen.
If you’re still unsure of whether the patch has rolled out automatically on your phone, here’s how you can check:
- Open your device’s Settings app.
- Tap Security.
- Check for an update:
- To check if a security update is available, tap Security update.
- To check if a Google Play system update is available, tap Google Play system update.
- Follow any steps on the screen.
Most operating system updates come with critical security patches. That’s why it’s important to get them ASAP, even if it means you have to deal with a few glitches until yet another update is released.
Tags: Android, Android 11, carrier, denial-of-service attacks, glitches, Google, Google Pixel, hackers, manufacturer, notification, open-source, operating systems, patch, security, security patch, security update, system update, third-party apps, update, vulnerabilities
Share:
