Google has issued a security warning highlighting that a large portion of Android smartphones worldwide may be vulnerable to new cyber threats.
According to the company, devices running Android 12 or older versions are no longer receiving major security updates, leaving them more exposed to malware and spyware attacks.
Which Devices Are Safe?
Phones running Android 13 and newer versions continue to receive security patches. However, a significant percentage of devices globally still operate on unsupported versions.
Recent data shows that only a little over half of Android phones are on versions that still receive active security updates.
Why This Matters
Without regular security patches:
- Devices become easier targets for hackers
- Personal data can be at higher risk
- Banking and financial apps may be more vulnerable
Cybersecurity experts say outdated systems lack protection against newly discovered threats.
What Users Should Do
Experts recommend:
- Checking your Android version in settings
- Installing updates if available
- Avoiding suspicious apps and links
- Considering a newer device if updates are no longer supported
Industry-Wide Update Challenge
While Android faces fragmentation challenges, other platforms also deal with update adoption issues. However, devices outside the security support cycle generally carry higher risk.
