Android 13 & Older Devices: How To Protect Your Smartphone From Critical Security Risk Warning? 

The Android risks in any device might impact millions of users in India as there are a large number of Android phone users. In case these vulnerabilities are exploited, the hacker could easily take complete control of your device, configure every sensitive and personal data, and make it unusable. Meanwhile, the CERT-In has issued a Critical security risk for Android users. In order to tackle the situation, Google has released OS updates that can address these vulnerabilities.

The Computer Emergency Response Team or CERT-In under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has issued an emergency critical warning for Android devices running Android 13 or older. The CERT has highlighted a number of vulnerabilities within the Android Operating System that can cause significant risks to the users, posted on its official website. 

Meanwhile, the CERT has provided a Critical label to the vulnerabilities found in the Android Operating system, specifying the potential for severe risk in case they are exploited. The Government also warns that if there’s an exploitation of these vulnerabilities then it will allow attackers to conduct a wide variety of malicious actions, including execution of their code on the device, gain elevated privilege, easily configure sensitive information of the users, and even causing a denial of service (DoS) situation where the users will not be able to operate their device.

Furthermore, as per the reports of CERT, the vulnerabilities that have been highlighted primarily affect several Android devices running older Operating system versions, including Android 11, Android 12, Android 12L, and Android 13 respectively.  

Here’s How To Protect Your Android Smartphone?

Below are some security tips users should follow in order to safeguard their Android devices from several vulnerabilities and other further malicious attacks. 

It’s Essential To Apply Security Patches

To avoid certain malicious attacks, the first and the most prominent step to protect your device is to apply the security patches by updating your OS to its latest version. These security patches are specially designed to address the identified vulnerabilities and enhance the system security of your phone. 

Ensure To Keep Your Android OS Up-To-Date

Keeping your Android OS up-to-date is essential. It ensures that your device has the latest security features and improvements that help defend your device against several vulnerabilities. 

Be Careful While Downloading Apps

Be aware while downloading and installing apps, especially if it’s unofficial sources. Make sure to avoid third-party apps, and try to stick to trusted app stores like Google Play Store. In addition, be careful while providing permissions that you grant to the apps.

Always Review App Permissions

Frequently review the permissions granted to the apps installed on your device. While you install an application make sure to give only the permissions that are necessary and untick those permissions, that you think are not required anymore for that specific application’s functionality.

Don’t Forget To Backup Your Data Safely

Another effective step to protect your device is you regularly backup all your data on an external source or cloud storage. This ensures that your essential information is secure if any unexpected incident occurs. 

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