Google puts all Android users on red alert - check your phone to block ‘severe’ risk

Google has released a vital update for all Android users and it’s vital you download it on your phone as soon as possible.

Android users must pay attention and check their devices without delay. That’s the latest alert from Google who says it has recently pushed out an urgent upgrade that fixes over 50 bugs found within the popular Android operating system. That’s pretty serious but to make matters worse, Google has confirmed that two of the digital gremlins have been given the dreaded zero-day rating.

For those not up to speed with the latest tech jargon, zero-day basically means the threat has already been spotted by hackers and is being actively exploited in the wild.

That’s why Google has rushed so quickly to release the patch and why you should not delay in installing it.

"The Android Security Bulletin contains details of security vulnerabilities affecting Android devices. Security patch levels of 2024-11-05 or later address all of these issues," Google explained in an update.

Those targeted by the flaws could end up becoming the victim of vicious spyware or have their devices hit by something called remote code execution which Google says is a ‘severe’ alert.

This is where crooks can install dangerous software onto devices without needing physical access or the owner ever knowing.

"The most severe of these issues is a high security vulnerability in the System component that could lead to remote code execution with no additional execution privileges needed," said Google.

This important patch has now slowly being released so it's a good idea to check your setting as soon as possible.

How to update your device

• Open your device's Settings app.

• Tap System and then Software update.

• You'll find your update status. Follow any steps on the screen.

If you can’t see the update it might be that your phone manufacture is yet to release it but keep checking as it should be available soon.

This latest software update comes after Android users have also been placed on red alert over a new "FakeCall" bug. This vicious malware was actually first spotted all the at back in 2022 but it's now seen a shock resurgence and is more troublesome than ever.

Once installed, the latest version of FakeCall can set about redirecting phone calls with users being put through to scammers when they think they are simply ringing their bank.

Zimperium has confirmed that it works by taking over Android's call handler setting which then allows cyber crooks to manipulate both incoming and outgoing calls.