More than one billion Android smartphones worldwide are now vulnerable to hacking, data theft and malware attacks after Google stopped providing security updates for older versions of its operating system. The warning highlights a growing digital safety concern for millions of everyday users who continue to rely on ageing devices for banking, communication and work.
Google’s latest data shows that over 40 per cent of Android phones are running on Android 12 or older. These versions no longer receive regular security patches, which means newly discovered flaws are left unaddressed. Cybercriminals often target such weaknesses to install spyware, steal passwords or gain unauthorised access to personal data.
The problem is not limited to very old or low-cost phones. Several popular models that were considered premium just a few years ago have also reached the end of their software support cycle. Once updates stop, even a well-functioning phone becomes increasingly unsafe to use, especially for financial transactions or storing sensitive information.
While Google continues to offer Play Protect, a built-in malware scanning service, experts say this is not enough. Play Protect can detect harmful apps, but it cannot fix deep system-level vulnerabilities that hackers exploit. Without core security updates, phones remain exposed to more advanced and sophisticated attacks.
The issue is worsened by Android’s fragmented ecosystem. Software updates depend heavily on phone manufacturers and mobile carriers, leading to delays or early discontinuation of support. As a result, many devices that are still in daily use are left behind as newer Android versions roll out.
Google and cybersecurity experts are urging users to check their Android version and update their phones if possible. For devices that cannot be upgraded beyond Android 12, the safest option may be to switch to a newer model that guarantees regular security updates for several years.
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