New security vulnerability detected in Android devices, update them now: CERT-In

The security issue can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code, causing denial of service and also steal sensitive information on the targeted system

With more than three billion active devices, Google's Android is the most popular mobile operating system globally. However, it also attracts threat actors to prey on naive smartphone users.

Though Google has put in efforts to strengthen the security of the Android ecosystem, bad actors come up with ingenious ways to find vulnerabilities in the system.

In the latest instance, new security issues have been detected in Android versions 14, 15 and 16. Flaws include the Android Framework, Google, NXP components, STMicroelectronics and Thales components.

The issue can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code, causing denial of service and also steal sensitive information on the targeted system, reported the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In).

Google has acknowledged the issue and has released the security patch to the affected devices.

Here's how to install the update on your Android phone:

Step 1: Open your device's Settings app.

Step 2: Tap System and then Software update >> Check for updates

Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the Android update.

In a related development, Google has launched a new ransomware detection feature in Drive cloud storage.

Thanks to the AI-powered screening process, Google Drive will automatically detect any presence of malware. It is capable of detecting 14x more infections, leading to even more comprehensive protection.

When users have Google Drive for desktop installed on their computers, file syncing pauses when ransomware is detected. The user will see a notification appear on their computer. Also, admins will see an alert in the Admin console security centre; notification emails will be delivered to both users and admins.

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