Google Warns Millions of Android Users About Major Malware Attacks
Google has warned millions of Android users that their phones could be at risk of malware attacks. The concern is simple that a large number of people are still using older Android versions that no longer get security updates, making these devices easier to hack.
A report quoted by Forbes says Google itself has accepted that many Android phones around the world are exposed because their software support has ended. This has pushed mobile security back into the spotlight in latest technology news.
Old Android Versions Are the Real Problem
Google regularly releases data showing how many users are on the latest Android versions. Right now, Android 13 and newer versions are running on about 58% of active phones. The rest are using older software.
That means nearly 40% of Android users may be using phones that are no longer fully protected. Phones running Android 12 or earlier versions do not receive regular security fixes anymore, which puts personal data at risk.
Security experts say this is one of the most common ways malware spreads. Hackers look for known flaws in old software because they know those gaps will never be fixed.
Android and Apple Take Very Different Paths
This warning has also revived comparisons between Android and Apple. Apple recently released security updates even for the iPhone 5, a device launched more than ten years ago.
On the Android side, users are often told to buy a new phone once updates stop. Google has suggested that people using older Android versions should consider upgrading their devices, which usually means spending more money.
Many users find this frustrating, especially when their phones still work well but become unsafe simply because updates have stopped.
What Google Is Asking Users to Do
Google admits that having millions of unsafe devices is a serious issue. For now, the company advises users to:
· Keep their phones updated whenever possible
· Avoid downloading apps from unknown sources
· Use built-in protection like Google Play Protect
Google has also pointed out something surprising. In some cases, expensive Android phones can become riskier over time if updates stop early, while mid-range phones may stay safer because they receive updates for longer.
Google’s control is limited here. Except for Pixel phones, software updates depend on phone manufacturers, not Google alone.
What This Means for Android Users
With Android 17 expected in the near future, experts say buying a phone with Android 13 in 2026 may not be a wise choice. Users are being urged to check how long a phone will receive updates before buying it.
Malware attacks are becoming more common, and outdated phones are often the first targets. This is why Google’s warning has drawn attention not only in global tech discussions but also in International News In Hindi, where concerns around mobile safety continue to grow.
