If you have an Android smartphone in your pocket, you should check that it is updated to the latest software as soon as possible. This is the latest “serious” alert from Google that says a number of bugs have been spotted that could expose devices to attacks by cybercriminals.

A total of 51 vulnerabilities were fixed in the latest November update, making it a major release from Google. The issues aren’t new, but what makes this alert scarier is that two of the defects received the dreaded “zero day” rating.

For those not up to date with the latest tech jargon, zero-day means that the bug has already been spotted and is being actively exploited in the wild. This is why it is so important to keep an eye on the latest Android software patches and install them without delay.

“The Android Security Bulletin contains details on security vulnerabilities affecting Android devices. Security patch levels 11/05/2024 or later address all of these issues,” Google explained in an update.

It is believed that people targeted by these issues could become victims of nasty spyware attacks where hackers monitor what they do on devices. There is also the possibility of so-called “remote code execution”, where crooks can install items on devices without the need for physical access.

“The most serious of these issues is a high security vulnerability in the system component that could lead to remote code execution without additional execution privileges needed,” Google said.

This fix is ​​now released, so it’s a good idea to check your settings. However, it may take a few days before each phone manufacturer, such as Samsung, releases its own set of bug fixes, so be patient.

How to update your device

• Open your device’s Settings app.

• Tap System, then Software Update.

• You will find your update status. Follow all on-screen steps.

News of this update comes as Android users have also been placed on red alert due to a new “FakeCall” bug. This malicious malware was actually first spotted in 2022, but is now experiencing a shocking resurgence and is more annoying than ever.

Once installed, the latest version of FakeCall can redirect users’ phone calls to fraudsters when they think they are simply calling their bank.

Zimperium has confirmed that it works by taking over settings from Android’s call manager, which then allows cybercriminals to manipulate incoming and outgoing calls.