Can A Galaxy 5 Be Hacked Thru The Camera

GOOGLE and Samsung phones could be hijacked past hackers – allowing crooks to accept photos and record video from afar.

Hundreds of millions of handsets are believed to be afflicted by the dangerous and widespread flaw.

Google has admitted that its phones have been affected by a dangerous hacking bug — Google has admitted that its phones take been affected past a unsafe hacking bug Credit: Getty - Contributor

Cyber-experts say the bug let hackers track your phone's location and even tape your phone calls automatically.

Phone owners are at present being urged to update their handsets and apps to the latest versions, to stave off hack attacks.

The bug was exposed by cybersecurity firm Checkmarx, who described the hack as "dangerous and malicious".

Google has confirmed that the exploit exists, and that users will need to update their phones to stay safe.

Even Samsung phone owners are being urged to update their handsets immediately

The attack worked by users downloading a rogue app from the Google Play Store.

This app would exist disguised as a normal piece of software, like a weather app or selfie camera.

But once installed, the app would hijack the official Google or Samsung camera apps to snoop on you lot.

"We capeesh Checkmarx bringing this to our attention and working with Google and Android partners to coordinate disclosure," a Google spokesperson told The Sunday.

"The issue was addressed on impacted Google devices via a Play Store update to the Google Photographic camera Application in July 2019.

"A patch has also been made available to all partners."

Samsung has also confirmed that its phones are affected by the issue.

Co-ordinate to the researchers, the problems gives hackers terrifying access to your private life.

Hackers could accept photos and record videos using your phones.

They could also collect all of the location tags for the photos you've taken, and locate your phone on a global map.

The hack is possible in "stealth mode", letting cybercrooks silence your telephone while it takes photos and records videos.

And hackers could even automatically record footage during your video calls – and audio from phone conversations.

How to stay safe – the official advice

Here's what cybersecurity proficient David Kennefick, of Edgescan, had to say...

Merely download applications from the official app stores
Downloading and installing applications from tertiary-parties is not advisable, and even when installing from the official app stores you lot should exist diligent on what permissions an application has
Exist vigilant with your applications, these should be routinely reviewed and updated based on your usage
Be careful with which permissions you are granting applications. A flashlight application should not need access to your contacts or the power to send SMS
Make sure applications are updated. Always keeping your devices up to date and using the latest safe versions is the most robust strategy for ensuring that whatsoever adware/spyware which may accept been accidentally introduced gets removed

"This is the worst-case scenario for many people, myself included," said cybersecurity expert David Kennefick, at Edgescan.

"The thoughts of somebody beingness able to tape every moment of my life via an exploit on my smartphone actually instills the "tinfoil hat" mentality.

"This exploit seems to exist limited merely none the less information technology is function of the manner there.

"There is no silverish bullet for mitigating such a vulnerability other than dropping your phone down a well."

It'southward not clear if other Android phones beyond Google or Samsung products are afflicted.

Near READ IN TECH

In other news, Android users were recently warned over 15 pop apps that allowed hackers to "secretly apply your telephone".

A WhatsApp update 'drains battery' on Android phones, furious users claim.

Americans mysteriously received texts from 'dead husbands, pals and parents' in bizarre nationwide phone bug.

And, if you lot accept an iPhone, you should update to the new iOS 13.2.2 to heave your telephone signal and app loading times.

Exercise you trust Google to keep your privacy safe? Let u.s.a. know in the comments!

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Source: https://www.the-sun.com/lifestyle/tech-old/72827/android-bug-lets-hackers-spy-through-your-camera-and-over-100million-samsung-and-google-owners-affected/

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