Another day, another Android vulnerability to deal with. It seems that Android privacy and security is being put to the test these days, now with another vulnerability coming to light. This is called the “Certifi-gate” flaw, a vulnerability that allows hackers elevated access to your Android device using the same software pre-installed by manufacturers.
With this flaw, hackers can steal sensitive personal data, and even switch a phone’s microphone on without the owner knowing it, making your phone a veritable spy device against you. This is stuff that you think happens only in movies, but sadly, it is here and it affects us now. This is caused by the flawed verification system used by many manufacturers like HTC, LG, Samsung, and ZTE to name a few – a flaw that allows hackers to access your device remotely once an infected app is connected online.
These apps, usually pre-installed by manufacturers, are given elevated access to the phone using digital certificates, which in turn are what hackers break into and then use to get access to your device. According to Check Point, the tech security outfit that has publicized this flaw, affected companies have already been notified about the vulnerability and some are even pushing out updates to fix the flaw.
Check Point has made an app that you can download to check whether your phone is vulnerable or indeed infected by the hack entry point. Check out the video above and the source link below for more details on this threat to your privacy.
SOURCE: Check Point
