Tech
One million android devices at risk of security breach, reports say
Security research firm Check Point Software on Thursday revealed a security breach that could affect more than one million Android devices worldwide.
Known as Googlian, the program gains access to authentication information for Google services—including Gmail, Google Drive, Google Photos, Google Docs, among others.
Devices running Android versions 4 (a.k.a. Jelly Bean and KitKat) and 5 (a.k.a. Lollipop) are at risk. Currently that accounts for more than 74 per cent of all active devices.
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The Googlian malware infects phones by hiding in apps that appear totally legit and tempt users further because they’re free.
These apps live in third-party app stores (i.e. outside the Google Play Store), but Check Point says that many users also download them by clicking on phishing links in emails and text messages.
Once the malicious software is installed, it sends key device data to Googlian, allowing it to root the device and gain near-complete control over its operations.
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