Millions of Android phone users could be at risk for a serious attack by a virus called Stagefright.
It’s one of many viruses currently targeting Android users.
Channel 2 Consumer Advisor Clark Howards says installing carrier updates will help protect your device.
Stagefright has the potential to affect 950 million devices, and Howard’s phone is one of them.
What sets Stagefright apart from other malicious attacks is its ability to gain access to a phone without the user taking any action. The virus could come through a text that someone never even opens.
“(It’s called) total system compromise. (If) the attacker has root or administrator access, they can do anything. They can install malware that would provide backdoor access later. They could read data from the device and send that off,” explained Dennis Dwyer, with Dell Secure Works.
Dennis said system and device makers work to patch security flaws when they are exposed, and when a fix is developed, it will be sent out it in the form of an update.
It’s key for users to install that update as soon as it becomes available.
While users wait for cellphone carriers to send an update for safety, Android users can download the free app Stagefright Detector, which will let them know if their device is vulnerable and walk them through what they need to do to protect their phone.
WSBTV
