ANDROID users should check their devices to see if they’ve been affected by a new security update.
The new update is meant to protect users’ personal information from hackers.
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Google’s latest security update will automatically reboot locked, unused devices, a press release by the tech company stated.
The reboot will restore the device’s memory back to an encrypted state.
An encrypted state allows the data stored in the device to be reconfigured so hackers cannot easily decipher it.
The new Android update was listed as part of Google Play services update (v25.14), under ‘Security & Privacy.’
The “optional” security feature will restart any device locked for three consecutive days.
Although Google didn’t provide a reason for the update, Android users were warned of firmware flaws back in January 2024, Bleeping Computer reported.
The warning issued by GrapheneOS said digital forensic companies are taking users’ data without their consent.
Google’s new update will automatically set Android devices back to the “Before First Unlock” stage, which is the stage all devices are in before a user unlocks them with a PIN or biometrics.
Once a user unlocks it with a passcode, the device is in the “After First Unlock” stage.
When in the AFU stage, a user’s data us decrypted and becomes accessible for data extraction.
Phones and tablets that are stolen have usually already been unlocked once, allowing data extraction even if the device is locked when it’s stolen.
Restarting the phone to the BFU stage will make the data inaccessible to forensic companies.
To further protect Android devices, Google recommends shutting off USB data transfer when the device is locked.
The new update can be installed on the Google Play store now.
Android users can also install the latest security updates on their device’s settings by going into ‘System & updates’ and hitting ‘Google Play system update.’
The update is slowly rolling out on Android devices, so not every user will have access to the update right away.
SIGNS YOUR ANDROID PHONE IS INFECTED
Here’s Google’s official list of signs that you might have malware on your Android phone…
You may have malware on your device if:
- Google signed you out of your Google Account to help protect you from malware on your device.
- You notice suspicious signs on your device, like pop-up ads that won’t go away.
Device symptoms
- Alerts about a virus or an infected device
- Anti-virus software you use no longer works or runs
- A significant decrease in your device’s operating speed
- A significant, unexpected decrease in storage space on your device
- Your device stops working properly or working altogether
Browser symptoms
- Alerts about a virus or an infected device
- Pop-up ads and new tabs that won’t go away
- Unwanted Chrome extensions or toolbars keep coming back
- Your browsing seems out of your control, and redirects to unfamiliar pages or ads
- Your Chrome homepage or search engine keeps changing without your permission
Other symptoms
- Your contacts have received emails or social media messages from you, but you didn’t send the emails or messages.
Apple launched a similar program for iPhones during the iOS 18.1 update.
The update included an “Inactivity Reboot,” which resets the device to encrypted settings after 72 hours of inactivity.
Once rebooted, the device will be at an “at rest” stage.
Face ID will be disabled on the device until it is unlocked with a password.