Google Fixes ‘Stagefright’ Bug in Android Devices
Google has announced software updates to fix Stagefright, a bug affecting Android devices, that allow hackers to take complete control over the smartphone by sending a text message with an infected video.
A week after a major flaw was discovered in Android devices, which could make it easy for hackers to hackers access to millions of users’ personal data, Google announced software updates to fix the bug.
Security firm Zimperium initially discovered the flaw, called Stagefright, which exposes Android devices to malware from messages containing infected video.
A hacker could simply send a text with an infected video to the device. Once the text is received, the hacker would have complete control over the handset; users don’t even have to open the text message.
RELATED: Security Firm: Android Phones Can Be Hacked With Simple Text Message
Google, the company behind Android, stated that 90 percent of Android devices were protected with a programming technique called “address space layout randomization” (ASLR), NBC News reports.
Additionally, Google said that the next release of Android’s messaging app, called Messenger, was getting an update that would force users to click on videos to play them, preventing the bug from infecting devices through previews.
The company has also announced that owners of Nexus devices can expect security updates every month.
Other popular Android devices from manufacturers such as Samsung, HTC, LG and Sony will get the same protection against Stagefright sometime in August.
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