Android users urged to update their phones 'immediately' for this reason
A new security update has been released and anyone with an Android phone is being encouraged to install the new software as soon as possible
Those with Google Pixel phones will receive the latest security updates first
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Android phone users are being urged to update their devices with the latest software following the release of Google's monthly security bulletin. This typically reaches Android users with Google Pixel phones first.
In May, Google rolled out security enhancements that rectified a significant vulnerability that could have been exploited by hackers, potentially exposing phone owners to malicious attacks. Fortunately, this is not the case this month, but the advice remains to keep your phone updated with the most recent software.
"Although the latest Android security bulletin does not list any vulnerabilities currently known to be under exploitation, we still strongly recommend that Android users update their devices immediately," stated Adam Boynton, EMEIA senior security strategy manager at security firm Jamf.
"The majority of the fixes are within the Android framework, which provides the foundation for building Android applications and is therefore an attractive target for cybercriminals. Exploiting the most severe vulnerability could allow an attacker to gain elevated access and administrative rights."
The terminology used to describe security updates can often be quite technical, just as the likelihood of you being targeted by cybercrime is relatively minimal. However, Android is updated monthly for a reason and anyone running older software versions is technically vulnerable to attack, reports the Express.
Google releases these updates free to all Android manufacturers, enabling them to deliver these upgrades to their customers' smartphones. This includes giants such as Samsung, OnePlus, Sony, Xiaomi and Honor, allowing them to keep your device up-to-date, albeit with a delay for the recent models.
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The update also affects Samsung Galaxy phone users
(Image: Getty Images )
Android producers are improving at sustaining support for their devices over more extended periods too. Samsung, Google and Honor have committed to seven years of updates for several of their newest phones, although other brands still have some catching up to do.
Those in possession of an ageing Android phone will have noticed they no longer receive regular security updates – a sign that it's time to switch to a more modern model.
Adam said: "There are four vulnerabilities located within the Android system component, caused by improper input validation. CVE-2025-26453, CVE-2025-26445 and CVE-2025-26441 could allow a local application to gain access to sensitive information, while exploitation of CVE-2025-26443 could allow a local application to execute arbitrary code.
"The release provides a window of opportunity to get ahead of cybercriminals; it appears that none of the vulnerabilities addressed in the June security bulletin have yet to be exploited in the wild, making this the perfect time to patch all supported devices."
This month, Google says it is one step ahead of the cybercriminals, so updating your device will ensure you're protected. However, if you fail to do so, you could leave yourself vulnerable to future hacks.
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Regularly updating your phone software is simply good tech hygiene. You should be able to configure your Android phone to download these updates automatically, but you can also manually check for system updates in your device's Settings app.
If there isn't an update available yet, keep checking throughout the month. If none appears, it may indicate that your phone is no longer receiving these crucial free upgrades.
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