Millions of Samsung users face bad news about updates

Google released its September security update last week, warning that Android devices were under attack. However, many Samsung users were already protected by the company’s update in August. But not all Samsung users have received this important update. If your device hasn’t received it, you could still be at risk.

The main threat comes from CVE-2024-32896a serious issue that Google first disclosed in April. The flaw has since been patched, but forensic analysis firms have used it in a chain attack. This means that hackers combine different flaws to take control of devices.

CVE-2024-32896: Not just a pixel issue

Initially, Google believed the vulnerability affected only its own Pixel devices. However, it later admitted that the problem was much larger and affected the entire Android ecosystem, including Samsung phones.

In June, the US government warned Pixel users to update their devices or stop using them because of the issue. Unfortunately, the government did not update the warning once it became clear that other Android phones were also at risk.

Samsung responded quickly and released a security patch for the vulnerability in August. The update also included a fix CVE-2024-36971another major flaw that has led to another warning from the U.S. government. The government has set an August 28 deadline for all Android users to update their devices because of the threat.

Samsung’s early response but limited implementation

Many people thought that this was the solution CVE-2024-32896 won’t be available for most Android devices until much later. But to its credit, Samsung delivered the patch earlier than expected, pushing it out in August.

However, Samsung didn’t roll out the update to all users at once. The company follows a strict update schedule. Some devices receive updates monthly, while others only receive them every few months or twice a year. Unfortunately, this means that many Samsung devices with slower update schedules didn’t receive the critical August patch.

Samsung has stuck to its regular update schedule despite calls to speed up the release for all devices. So, if your device is not on the monthly update list, you may still be vulnerable to these security issues.

Who is still at risk?

Samsung users with older devices or those who use quarterly or biennial updates may not have received the August security patch. This is concerning because the vulnerabilities are serious and some devices are more vulnerable to these threats.

Recently, more Samsung devices have been removed from the update list altogether. For example, Galaxy Tab S7 Series AND Galaxy Z Flip 5G are no longer receiving updates. Millions of users of these devices will need to update to stay secure.

Why you should upgrade

This year, Android has faced a number of serious security threats, with hackers exploiting a number of vulnerabilities. It is important to keep your device up to date. Samsung strictly adheres to its update schedule. If your device is not on the list for regular updates, you may not be protected from these ongoing threats.

Samsung publishes security range on its website, which shows which devices receive monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual updates. If your phone is no longer on the monthly update list, it’s time to consider updating. Older devices that lose support stop receiving updates, exposing them to new security threats.

Summary: Stay safe, keep your device up to date

Samsung users who received the August update are safe CVE-2024-32896. But if your device hasn’t received this update, you could still be at risk. Devices that only receive quarterly or biennial updates could be vulnerable to dangerous security flaws.

The threats to Android devices are serious, and the consequences of not updating your device can be serious. If your phone isn’t receiving regular updates, it’s time to update. Samsung quickly released a patch in August, but it’s up to users to make sure their phones are protected. Don’t wait—check the update status and stay safe.