Due to a major software flaw, Samsung Galaxy devices—from S3 to the latest S6—have fallen victim to hackers who can potentially access your phone’s camera, install apps, read text messages and even eavesdrop on calls.
What is this flaw all about?
The word prediction software used by Samsung devices is at the root of it. It is made by British tech firm Swiftkey. It was found that the way this technology was integrated on the devices, it triggered security vulnerability. The potential glitch was discovered by cybersecurity firm NowSecure last November and Samsung was informed too. As it hasn’t been fixed yet, the cybersecurity firm made its findings public on Tuesday.
What hackers can possibly do
They can secretly install malicious apps, access camers, GPS, sensors and microphone, read text messages, eavesdrop on calls and check pictures. By testing several Galaxy models on different cell phone carriers, NowSecure has found that all the models were vulnerable which estimates that around 600 million devices are at risk.
How serious is the problem?
NowSecure CEO Andrew Hoog stated that on their well-established system that ranks cybersecurity problems from 1 to 10, this blunder stands at 8.3.
What you can do to keep your device safe
As the flawed keyboard app can’t be disabled or uninstalled, Swiftkey advises, at this point of time, you should ideally stay away from unknown (public or insecure) Wi-Fi networks. The keyboard software regularly asks a server whether it needs updating. And if you apply for a software update that allows the hackers to act as a ‘privileged user’ and gain control of your phone.
Though this hack is not easy to pull off, so says Swiftkey, better be careful. Cyberattackers who eye fast cash are looking for invading Wi-Fi or cell networks which will further allow them to steal personal data. One example can be a company executive travelling to different countries, like China where the government is known to keep tabs on visitors to steal their business plans.
The Korean tech-giant has reportedly gave a patch to mobile operators across the world, however it is yet not clear whether the users have received it.
