Samsung rolls out big free upgrade that fixes nearly 60 cyber flaws to two more phones – check full list now
SAMSUNG is rolling out a free upgrade that fixes nearly 60 flaws in an instant to two more of its phones.
The improvements include shutting down backdoor routes which could be used by hackers to steal private data.
Named One UI 6.1.1, the patch addresses a total of 58 issues, 25 of which affected all Android devices plus 33 that were Samsung-specific.
Of those 25, four were identified as “critical”, but the accompanying notes state that, thankfully, none were exploited by cybercriminals before they were detected and resolved.
The weaknesses were reportedly discovered by cyber researchers and passed on to the manufacturer.
Sometimes known as bug catchers, these researchers are often employed by tech firms to try and hack their devices to identify potential vulnerabilities.
They found problems including a security gap that allowed hackers to gain “improper access” of the One UI Home app and another affecting the Secure Folder where users can lock things like photos behind a password.
Fortunately, in both cases “user interaction” was required to get around security systems, making the flaws hard for crooks to exploit.
The initial wave of the update was sent out to 20 of Samsung’s handsets and two of its tablets, but two more mobiles have now been added.
The Galaxy M04 and A03 models have now had it installed, joining a list that runs right up to Samsung’s latest phones like the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
There is currently no known timeframe for phones not currently on the list to receive the patch.
Users can download the update when available by going to Settings > Software update > Download and install.
It comes after Microsoft revealed that its latest IT outage was the result of an intentional cyberattack.
The shutdown was triggered just weeks after a global system issue caused chaos across the world.
Meanwhile, scientists have discovered that they can use eerie mind-controlling tech to manipulate emotions and even appetite without invasive surgery.
Full list of Samsung devices to receive the new update
Phones:
- 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 S21 FE
- Galaxy S20 FE
- 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
- Galaxy M04
- Galaxy A03
Tablets:
- Galaxy Tab S9 lineup
- Galaxy Tab S8 Plus