Android phone users have been warned about scam developed by hackers who can gain access to person’s camera on their phone and spy on them by using a simple text message.
The rather disturbing flaw was found by experts at security service Zimperium. It is understood that the dangerous text can gain full control of the victims phone once it is opened by the recipient the security company say high end features of the recipients phone can easily be accessed along with the camera and microphone.
A spokesman for the security service said: “It’s really up to their imagination what they do once they get in security. Once the danger message is received, the phone is hacked before the victim even realises what’s going on.” “This happens even before the sound that you’ve received a message has even occurred,” “That’s what makes it so dangerous. It could be absolutely silent. You may not even see anything.”
Zimperiumbattle are advising android users to stick to using the Android stock messaging software. The company say that this is the best course action until a permanent solution is found, Zimperium say they recommend this action as it is “a tiny bit less dangerous” because third party programs often open text messages automatically, allowing the nasties within to do their worst.
Meanwhile Google have since released a statement saying they are currently trying to fix the dangerous flaw, a spokesperson for the company has said: “The security of Android users is extremely important to us and so we responded quickly and patches have already been provided to partners that can be applied to any device. “Most Android devices, including all newer devices, have multiple technologies that are designed to make exploitation more difficult. “Android devices also include an application sandbox designed to protect user data and other applications on the device.”