Urgent warning issued to all Android phone owners – it’s ‘critical’ that you act today

GOOGLE has urged all Android phone owners to download its newest security patch to make sure devices are protected.

There are a number of security vulnerabilities affecting Android devices, Google explained.

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Beyond checking for software updates, all Android users should regularly check their app permissions, according to cyber experts[/caption]

The latest patch is designed to remedy 40 potential security issues.

“The Android security patch level refers to a monthly manifest of security patches rolled out by Google in an effort to close up security holes and malicious code exploits in the Android OS,”

“The more recent your patch level, the less vulnerable your device is to security exploits.” cybersecurity blog MalwareBytes Labs said.

The update is available for Android 10, 11, 12, 12L and 13. 

Android phone owners will be alerted to the software update through their device.

Beyond checking for software updates, all Android users should regularly check their app permissions, according to cyber experts.

It means you might catch an app probing your personal info.

You’ll usually see permission requests when you first install an app on your Google-powered phone.

Or you might find them pop up when you try to access a new feature within an app.

You’ll be asked to grant permission to something like the microphone, or your texts.

But cyber-experts at security firm Avast say you should keep a close eye on these requests.

“App permissions sound great in theory, but they can make your device unsafe or slow down your phone if the app misbehaves,” Avast explained.

Latest Android version – how to update your Android

Android phones are tricky because the latest updates don’t arrive for everyone at the same time.

The latest update will depend on your smartphone model.

So check to see if you have it by going to Settings > About Phone > Android Version.

That’s where you can see if you’ve got the latest Android update.

You can also check to see if you have the latest Android security update.

Google released security patch 2023-01-05 in January 2023, so having that is ideal.

To update your Android phone, go to Settings > System > System Update.

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