What Google has to say on the Android bug

NEW DELHI: Recently, it was found that a bug named QuadRooter puts almost 1 billion Android handsets at risk.

The vulnerability, discovered by security company Check Point, is said to give hackers access to user's personal information by remotely rooting the smartphones. According to the company, the security bug affects devices with Qualcomm chips, which are installed into devices during the manufacturing process.

The flaw includes four vulnerabilities, any of which can be used by hackers to take control of a smartphone. Now, Google has reportedly given its stance on the matter claiming that the threat is not as serious as it has been projected.

The search giant, as reported by Tech Insider, has said that out of the aforementioned four vulnerabilities it has fixed three issues as a part of the August Android OS security update. The fourth vulnerability will be fixed in September's security update.

Although Google is already sending out fixes for the bug, it still remains unlikely that all the 900 million smartphones would receive the update. Google adds that its 'Verify Apps' feature would also be ruling out the malicious apps. The feature will scan the apps before installing them on the handset. Verify Apps is switched on by default.

However, those users who have older versions of Android OS running on their handsets (older than Jelly Bean) would have to manually activate the 'Verify Apps' feature.

The QuadRooter vulnerability affects smartphone drivers which control communication between the various chipset components. Check Point recommends users to download and install the latest Android updates as soon as they become available, avoid side-loading apk files, read app permission requests carefully while installing apps and more.

Some of the latest smartphones that are said to be vulnerable to QuadRooter are Samsung Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge , OnePlus 3, Google Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 6P, LG G4, LG G5 , LG V10, OnePlus One, OnePlus 2, OnePlus 3 and more.

Author: 
The Economic Times