Govt issues high risk warning for Samsung users: Is your device safe?

Updated on 29-Oct-2024
HIGHLIGHTS

Samsung smartphone and Galaxy Watch users in India have been alerted to a serious security threat affecting specific devices.

CERT-In’s alert addresses a critical vulnerability in some Samsung mobile processors and Galaxy Watch processors.

The devices at risk include Samsung’s Exynos mobile processors found in several smartphone models.

Attention Samsung users! Samsung smartphone and Galaxy Watch users in India have been alerted to a serious security threat affecting specific devices. The government, through the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), has issued a high-severity warning, urging Samsung users to act promptly to secure their devices.

CERT-In’s alert addresses a critical vulnerability in some Samsung mobile processors and Galaxy Watch processors. According to CERT-In, this vulnerability could allow attackers to execute code on targeted devices, potentially escalating their privileges within the system.

The primary cause of the vulnerability is identified as a “Use-After-Free” bug within Samsung’s processors, which has reportedly been exploited in the “wild.”

The devices at risk include Samsung’s Exynos mobile processors found in several smartphone models. Specific processors affected by this security flaw are the Exynos 9820, Exynos 9825, Exynos 980, Exynos 990, and Exynos 850. Additionally, the Galaxy Watch’s W920 processor is also listed as vulnerable. Samsung’s popular devices use these processors, and with millions of units in circulation in India, this alert has drawn significant concern.

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What you should do

If you own a Samsung smartphone or Galaxy Watch and are unsure if your device is affected, here’s how you can check your processor and install any available updates to secure your device:

  1. Verify your processor
  • Go to Settings on your Samsung device.
  • Tap on About phone.
  • Check the processor details. If it matches any of the models listed by CERT-In, your device could be at risk.
  1. Check for updates
  • Go to Settings.
  • Tap on Software update.
  • Select Check for new update. If an update is available, install it and restart your device.

It’s important to note that keeping your software up to date is crucial, as these updates often contain fixes for such security flaws. Samsung users in India should follow CERT-In’s guidance and apply the latest patches without delay to ensure their devices remain secure.

Ayushi Jain

Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds.

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