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Is Your Android Smartphone Vulnerable? Discover What You Need to Know Now

Android security crisis: Cybercriminals and law enforcement agencies are currently exploiting two severe vulnerabilities. Google's latest security bulletin reveals that Serbian police used a flaw to deploy spyware on activists' devices. Let's explore how these exploits work and what users need to know.
 

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 Major security flaws found in MarchAndroid updates revealed
 
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 The security bulletin released by Google in March 2025 revealed 43 vulnerabilities present in the Android operating system’s coding. Among these findings, security experts from the company pinpointed 11 high-severity defects along with 10 critical ones. As per their routine procedure, this regular monthly security release categorises each vulnerability into one of three severity tiers: moderate, high, and critical.


 The most worrying aspect involves two particular vulnerabilities that Google acknowledges as "currently being exploited in limited, targeted attacks." These issues aren’t part of widespread cyber assaults; instead, they’re employed in focused operations aimed at distinct targets. This selective method indicates advanced threat actors with well-defined goals, rather than casual attackers looking for easy prey.


 Security specialists observe that these focused attack strategies typically point towards state-sponsored entities or sophisticated criminal organizations possessing substantial assets. The involvement of governmental bodies utilizing one of these weaknesses adds weight to this evaluation.

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 A data theft vulnerability necessitates user participation.
 
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 The U.S. Cybersecurity andInfrastructure Security Agency (CISA) first identified an actively exploited vulnerability back in November 2024. This weakness allows attackers to boost their privilege levels without needing extra permissions, which could result in significant security breaches.


 If exploited, this weakness enables malevolent entities to pilfer confidential information or jeopardise the whole system through the insertion of harmful software. For such an assault to be successful, it necessitates certain actions from the user, implying that targets must unwittingly perform tasks that activate the exploit. Cybercriminals would fail to infiltrate affected gadgets unless individuals succumb to related psychological manipulation tactics.


 Devices operating on Android versions 11 to 14 are specifically at risk due to this vulnerability. Experts in cybersecurity advise users to exercise particular care when downloading apps from unverified sources or interacting with dubious hyperlinks, until such time as their gadgets have been updated with the most recent security fixes.

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 Serbian law enforcement using a flaw in the Linux kernel for surveillance purposes
 
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 The second significant weakness impacts the Linux kernel’s Human Interface Device (HID) component, responsible for handling user interactions within the system. If exploited, this issue enables attackers to access crucial sections of kernel memory, thereby posing risks to both the system's operation and safety.


 This weakness necessitates that attackers must first possess local presence and restricted permissions on the affected machine. In an exploit sequence, it allows for the installation of spyware onto individuals’ mobile phones. The disturbing aspect of this flaw is its confirmed usage by Serbian law enforcement agencies for monitoring activities.


 It has been reported that Serbian authorities took advantage of this weakness to keep an eye on journalists and activists. During visits to police stations or during interrogations, law enforcement officials installed a spyware known as NoviSpy onto the devices of their targets. The fact that the state used such methods underscores significant worries regarding online privacy and demonstrates how governmental organizations might exploit security flaws for their own purposes.

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 Security patches deployment timeline
 
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 In response to these threats, Google has issued two security updates this month. On top of the regular monthly patches, extra updates have been rolled out to tackle flaws within third-party components as well as the Android kernel. This strategy offers more adaptability for Android phone makers when applying the necessary corrections.


 The security patch code has been incorporated into the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). This enables device makers to include these updates within their modified versions of the software. Nonetheless, the pace at which these essential corrections make it to consumers ultimately relies on how swiftly the manufacturers release them for their gadgets.


 Individuals worried about these security flaws ought to verify whether a patch exists for their mobile phones by going to Settings, followed by About Device, and finally Software Update. Should an update be available, they are advised to install it at once to safeguard their gadgets against the currently exploited weaknesses.


 Security specialists highly advise turning on automatic updates and frequently verifying any outstanding security patches, particularly considering the critical nature of these vulnerabilities and their current exploitation by cybercriminals as well as police authorities.

Is Your Android Smartphone Vulnerable? Discover What You Need to Know Now

Unknown cyberattacks, cybersecurity, internet security, news, security

Android security crisis: Cybercriminals and law enforcement agencies are currently exploiting two severe vulnerabilities. Google's latest security bulletin reveals that Serbian police used a flaw…

Is Someone Hacking Your Google Account? Learn How to Tell Now

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 If you reside in a densely populated region, you probably ensure that your doors are locked before going to sleep. Similarly, it’s important to verify the security of your crucial online accounts as well.


 Regularly reviewing the devices connected to your Google account is advisable. This way, if your password has been compromised, you’ll know about any unauthorized access to your emails, photos, videos, and other files. However, hackers aren’t the only ones you should worry about; a significant other, housemate, relative, or even a close friend might snoop on you as well. It’s important to ensure that only appropriate individuals can gain entry.


 To view the devices connected to your Google account, you can do this from both a computer or your mobile device. Should you identify any unfamiliar entries, delete them—and subsequently update your password to stop further unauthorized access.

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 On a PC
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 The quick method to verify is to go straight there.
 google.com/devices
 Alternatively, you can opt for the manual approach:


 · Open a webpage for a Google service such as search or Gmail


 • Click on the profile picture located in the upper-right corner of the browser window.


 ・Choose
 Manage your Google Account


 ・Click
 Security
 on the left side of the page


 ・Scroll down to
 Your devices


 ・Click on
 Manage all devices


 Review the list of gadgets connected to your accounts. If you see anything unfamiliar, tap on those items and select the appropriate option afterwards.
 Sign out
 the button located in the upper part of this information screen.


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 Diwida

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 In the Google app
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 • On both Android and iOS devices, launch the Google application.


 · Click on the profile picture located in the upper-right corner


 ・Choose
 Manage your Google Account


 ・Choose
 Security
 From the tabs located at the top


 ・Scroll down to
 Your devices


 ・Tap on
 Manage all devices


 Review the devices connected to your account. Should you find an unknown device, tap on it for additional information. To log out of it, tap the option.
 Sign out
 The button can be found beneath the device's information section. (It’s located near the top.)

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 Clean up your connected applications and services as well.
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 When it comes to a Google account, your primary worry regarding unauthorized access ought to focus on unknown devices that have been signed in. However, you should also remain vigilant concerning third-party applications connected to your Google account.


 Inactive or obsolete third-party applications and services might be seized by cybercriminals, allowing these malicious actors to exploit the permissions previously authorized through your account. Conversely, hackers can capture control of deserted Google accounts (such as one used for a defunct company) and restore them to obtain entry into connected external programs and platforms.


 In either case, tidying up your home aids in minimizing this danger—check out our brief guide on how to do so.
 clean up those unused apps connected to your Google account
 .

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 Further reading:
 
 If you fail to utilize these essential PC security measures, you're essentially inviting hackers.
 
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Is Someone Hacking Your Google Account? Learn How to Tell Now

Unknown computer security, cybersecurity, google products and services, internet privacy, internet security

If you reside in a densely populated region, you probably ensure that your doors are locked before going to sleep. Similarly, it’s important to verify the security of your crucial online accounts …