A SAMSUNG security update that fixes nearly 60 cyber flaws has been rolled out to even more Android devices.
It’s now available on 20 Galaxy phones and several tablets.
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The July 2024 security patch, dubbed One UI 6.1.1, offers several backdoor routes that hackers can use to steal people’s data.
It fixes 58 vulnerabilities, including 25 that affect all Android devices and 33 that specifically affect Samsung phones.
Of the 25 Android flaws, four are “critical” issues and the rest are classified as “high” risk.
None of the vulnerabilities were exploited by hackers before they were discovered, according to the published safety notes.
It is understood that cyber researchers – or bug collectors – found the vulnerabilities and disclosed them privately to Samsung.
So-called bug catchers often receive a spotting fee for alerting companies to flaws before they are exploited.
What are the security flaws?
A “high” risk security flaw has impacted One UI Home, the app that allows users to customize their home screen.
The flaw, discovered more than a year ago, allowed hackers to “improperly access control” the application.
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However, user interaction was required to trigger this vulnerability, making it more difficult for hackers to exploit.
Another “moderate” security flaw affected Samsung’s Secure Folder, which is used to store private photos, videos, files and apps behind a password or biometric lock.
The bug allowed “physical attackers to bypass authentication” under certain conditions.
It is not clear what these conditions are. However, user interaction was, again, required to exploit this bug.
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Is my phone eligible for the update?
The latest phone to receive the patch is the Galaxy A34, a mid-range phone launching in 2023.
As always, Samsung rolled out the update to the phones in phases.
Samsung has not released a timeline for when specific phones will receive the update.
There are now 20 phones capable of installing the update, including:
- Galaxy S24
- Galaxy S24+
- Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Galaxy S23
- Galaxy Z Flip 5
- Galaxy Z Fold 5
- Galaxy S21
- Galaxy S21+
- Galaxy S21 Ultra
- Galaxy S21FE
- Galaxy S20FE
- Galaxy Z Flip 3
- Galaxy Z Fold 3
- Galaxy Note 20 5G
- Galaxy A55
- Galaxy A54
- Galaxy A53
- Galaxy A52s 5G
- Galaxy A14
- Galaxy A34
Tablets also eligible for the update include:
- Galaxy Tab S9 lineup
- Galaxy Tab S8 Plus
You can download the latest security update by going to settings > Software update > Download and install.
Samsung charging tip – how to charge better
Here’s Samsung’s official advice…
To get the most out of your smartphone’s battery, you’ll need to charge it properly.
Most smartphones have a lithium-ion battery that lasts longer when charged regularly.
Unlike the nickel batteries used in older phones, lithium-ion batteries work best when kept above 50% charge.
Repeatedly allowing the battery to fully discharge may shorten its lifespan and decrease its overall capacity.
If this happens, you will need to charge the battery more frequently and it may only last a few hours before needing to be charged, for example.
Leaving your phone connected to the charger (when the phone is fully charged) while using it can shorten the battery life if you do it repeatedly.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
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