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(Update: 19:07)
MORE THAN 600 million Samsung smartphones may have a major security flaw that would allow attackers to access your device remotely and install malware without your knowledge.
Security firm NowSecure released a report saying the flaw comes from a pre-installed keyboard called Swift.
The keyboard is installed on a number of Samsung smartphones ranging from the S4 to S6. Other Samsung devices may be affected by the issue, but it hasn’t been confirmed yet.
The problem involves how much access the keyboard has to a phone’s settings. Since manufacturers (and carriers) pre-install third-party applications onto a device, Samsung’s keyboard is given system user status.
This allows it to access most functions on the phone like the microphone and camera. If it’s exploited, it would allow attackers to extract personal info and these settings remotely and install apps onto the device without the user knowing.
When the flaw was discovered in December 2014, NowSecure informed CERT (an organisation which researches bugs that impact software and web security) and Google Android’s Security team about it.
Samsung began providing a patch in early 2015, but the issue lies with the carriers who may or may not have updated their version with the patch. It’s not known whether carriers have installed the patch or not.
The keyboard app cannot be uninstalled or disabled so to reduce risk, it’s recommended you avoid insecure or unknown WiFi networks, or use a different mobile device.
Samsung issued a statement in relation to the flaw saying that the phone’s core functions weren’t affected by this issue and that a security policy update will begin rolling out in a few days.
Samsung takes emerging security threats very seriously. We are aware of the recent issue reported by several media outlets and are committed to providing the latest in mobile security.It is important to note that the phone’s core functions (kernel) were not affected by the reported issue due to the protection of the Samsung KNOX platform in all S4 models and above.Samsung KNOX also has the capability to update the security policy of the phones, over-the-air, to invalidate any remaining potential vulnerabilities caused by this issue. The security policy updates will begin rolling out in a few days.
In addition to the Security Policy update, we are also working with SwiftKey to address potential risks going forward.
(Originally published: 14:02)
Well that didn’t take long. New party, same old Sh!t€
“…..try and find out what happened……” Aiming high ruinua style.
After initially coming out and denying any wrong doing.FG lite showing it’s roots.
It’s OK, renua will be investigating renuas role in this serious matter.
Just like the big boys do, it’s cute.
Karl Deeter, The banks new kid from the block, I am not a fan
Renua investigating Renua, we’ll definitely get the truth about this. Just like when Putin personally investigated the Nemtsov murder
Or when Enda comments on how a Garda commissioner decided to retire….
Or KPMG investigating KPMG.
or iw compliance stats
Don’t ye just love the political system in this country.
The amount of votes that Renua got in the by election scared me. I have no faith in the electorate.
Indeed. How dare they vote for their choice of party.
And how dare I not have faith in people voting for a party I despise.
It would certainly explain the high number of votes for their candidate compared to their overall support nationwide.
FG lite same shite different names….
Ha, this is playschool stuff. Really does the guy shanahan really think people are going to believe his rubbish.
Shanahan said the endorsement was posted via his Facebook account, but “it wasn’t my decision.”
Who did it Adrian? Was it John Eardley? Was it Karl Deeter? Was it Colonel Mustard in the Library with a Candlestick? Was it John Drennan? Was it Lucinda Creighton? Was it Denis O’Brien? Was it David Quinn? Was it Paidi Manning? Maybe David Norris or the Ghost of Oscar Wilde? The suspense is killing us!
Sound like it was only him running the page. He must of been the sole administrator on the page. Hes’ now found himself caught red handed and is now saying some else had access to his account. hmmmm. I don’t believe that for one second.
It was reverse vampires.
We’re through the looking glass here people.
I would rather be beaten across the head than endorse Pat McKee. Nice chap but I’ve seen invertebrates with more backbone. I have no doubt that this was a stroke initiated by himself and his campaign team.
Good old Adrian strikes again…..
or trying to cover up!
The PDs are back with a new name and new members but its the same old right wing agenda.
Hate that.
someones in trouble now…
The Ethics Officer is likely to be Over-Ruled by the Winning-Seats officer….
I’ve been asleep for a few years and this is the first news article I’ve read in a while. Am I to assume that Bertie has retired and FF changed its name to Renua? Only thing that makes sense to me
Imagine Donald Trump setting up the Tea Party and hiring Bill O’Reilly to be their “Ethics Officer”. In Ireland.
The Tae Party
And Donald has better hair.
Is that the same as the “Judeain people’s front” and not “people’s front of Judea”, the latter which was really hated :-)
beb
have your say