Warning Android phones are ‘listening to your calls’ after major flaw discovered in 43% of devices earlier this year

VULNERABILITIES in some Android phones could allow hackers to use malware to eavesdrop on your phone calls. 

MediaTek chips, which are found in 43 percent of Android smartphones as of the second quarter of 2021, reportedly have several vulnerabilities from the Android user space, according to Check Point Software Technologies.

GettyA malfunction in MediaTek chips leave them vulnerable for hackers to inject them with malware[/caption]

This means every smartphone using MediaTek’s chips are “vulnerable to eavesdropping attacks or malware infections” until security updates are installed.

Three of the major flaws were addressed by MediaTek in October but Check Point’s researchers are recommending that users check with their phone’s manufacturer if they haven’t received the security update. 

It’s likely that older devices won’t receive the update because vendors no longer support them. 

MediaTek’s product security officer, Tiger Hsu said they are working “diligently to validate the issue and make appropriate mitigations available to all [original device manufacturers].”

A fourth flaw is expected to be fixed in an update coming this month.

There are multiple ways to keep your phone safe from malware. First, it’s important to never click on unfamiliar links from emails or text messages.

If you don’t know who is sending you a message, don’t answer it and don’t open any attachments either. 

Never give out your banking or personal information to anyone you don’t know. That giving that kind of information away could leave you vulnerable to scams or having your money stolen from you.

Only download apps from Google Play or the App Store and never from third-party app websites. 

Getty – ContributorThree of the four major vulnerabilities have been fixed, said MediaTek[/caption]