Update your Twitter NOW to stop hackers reading your private messages, Android owners warned
TWITTER has warned Android users to update the app due to a security flaw that could let hackers read their private messages. The social media giant said cybercriminals could potentially work “around Android system permissions” to gain access to accounts. Twitter said in a blogpost: “We recently discovered and fixed a vulnerability in Twitter for […]
TWITTER has warned Android users to update the app due to a security flaw that could let hackers read their private messages.
The social media giant said cybercriminals could potentially work “around Android system permissions” to gain access to accounts.
Twitter said in a blogpost: “We recently discovered and fixed a vulnerability in Twitter for Android related to an underlying Android OS security issue affecting OS versions 8 and 9.
“Our understanding is 96% of people using Twitter for Android already have an Android security patch installed that protects them from this vulnerability.
“For the other 4%, this vulnerability could allow an attacker, through a malicious app installed on your device, to access private Twitter data on your device (like Direct Messages) by working around Android system permissions that protect against this.”
Twitter doesn’t have evidence that the vulnerability has been exploited by attackers but it can’t be completely sure.
That’s why it strongly recommends Android users running OS versions 8 and 9 to update.
A lot of people will be using the latest OS, which is Android 10, and are not thought to be affected.
Those affected need to update Twitter on all the devices they have it installed on.
To do this, go into the Google Play Store, find Twitter under “My apps & games” in the Menu section and click update.
Twitter said it will be “identifying changes to our processes to better guard against issues like this.”
People affected should also receive in-app notices to let them know what they need to do.
Twitter recently experienced one of the most dangerous hacks in the company’s history.
Accounts of high profile figures like Bill Gates, Elon Musk and Kim Kardashian West were hacked and used to to promote a Bitcoin cryptocurrency scam.
What to do if your Twitter is hacked
Here's some steps to follow...
You need to contact Twitter’s official support and tell them what’s happened.
If you get your account back you should change your password immediately.
If you’re using that password for any other accounts you should change them too.
You should also revoke access to any third-party applications.
Twitter has its own list of useful security tips.
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