Android users must update their phones now over bugs that allow hackers to bypass passwords and hijack devices

ANDROID users person been told to update their phones instantly to hole 2 bugs that allowed hackers to hijack devices.

One bug, which meant hackers could instal malware or bargain files from devices without adjacent needing a password, was already exploited successful the chaotic earlier Google fixed it.

Google said it was a "high information vulnerability", and the astir terrible retired of each the cyber flaws found.

"The severity assessment is based connected the effect that exploiting the vulnerability would perchance person connected an affected device," Google explained successful a recent information bulletin.

The 2nd bug allowed cyber crooks to power phones and marque them clang from afar.

Fortunately, Google patched this earlier hackers spotted it.

The February 2025 information update fixed astir 50 cybersecurity flaws discovered successful the erstwhile Android software.

Mobile telephone owners are powerfully advised to instal the latest information update arsenic soon arsenic it becomes available.

"Exploitation for galore issues connected Android is made much hard by enhancements successful newer versions of the Android platform," added Google.

"We promote each users to update to the latest mentation of Android wherever possible."

Google Pixel devices volition person the update immediately.

While Android phones from different manufacturers, similar Samsung or Motorola, volition person it later.

Android owners should cheque their Settings, and look for either the the 2025-02-01 and 2025-02-05 security spot levels.

The Android information squad intimately monitors suspicious apps and files done Google Play Protect.

The feature, archetypal introduced successful 2022, checks apps to spot if they're harmless earlier you download them.

Google Play Protect has been beefed up with caller AI-powered menace detection tools successful caller years, which helped it artifact much than 2.36million apps from joining the Google Play store past year.

How to cheque if Google Play Protect is on

Open the Google Play store app and past pat your illustration icon successful the apical right.

Next, pat Settings, and past look nether About to spot if your instrumentality is Play Protect certified.

To crook it connected oregon off, unfastened the Play store and past pat the illustration icon.

Tap Play Protect > Settings and past crook Scan Apps With Play Protect connected oregon off.

You tin activate this diagnostic nether Play Protect > Settings..