Phones running below this version of Android vulnerable to cyber attacks; Security warning

Google has confirmed that smartphones running Android 12 or older will no longer receive security updates. This could affect about 42.1 percent of Android phones worldwide. This means that the personal information of about one billion (100 crore) users could be exposed to cyber attacks.

Only 57.9 percent of people use Android 13 and above. The older Android versions used by the rest will not be able to resist new viruses or hacking attempts. On the other hand, Apple directly controls its hardware and software, so even old iPhones receive regular updates.

Even though Google provides the core operating system, manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Motorola are responsible for delivering updates to their specific devices. This often results in delayed or stopped support midway. This is the reason for the current crisis.

To check if your phone is secure, open your phone's settings. Select the About phone option and check the Android version. It is important to note that if your phone is Android 12 or older, it is likely to be vulnerable to cyber attacks if a new update is not available.

Phones that do not receive system updates can leak information from banking apps. Hackers can get access to passwords and messages, and can also empty accounts by capturing the OTP on the phone. Google states that using old phones is a big challenge. Google recommends that users do not necessarily buy high-priced flagship phones, but instead switch to at least a mid-range phone that supports Android 13 or higher.