On Android, a simple SMS allowed hackers to access your emails

They pretend to be your telecom operator. With a simple SMS, a “phishing” attack technique allows hackers to redirect all the emails we receive to remote servers. According to Checkpoint, a cybersecurity specialist, most Android phones would be victims of this new strategy for recovering user data. Whilethe prices of computer vulnerabilities have just exceeded those on iOS, now a new vulnerability affects smartphones running Google OS.

To warn users and manufacturers of smartphones,Checkpointcarried out tests to prove the vulnerability. Among the models singled out, the Samsung S9, Huawei P10, LG G6, and even Sony Xperia XZ Premium.

An Android flaw, allowing you to access your emails via simple SMS

Speaking technically, the type of SMS sent by hackers uses a process called “OTA” for “Over-the-Air”. This is a type of operation often common among operators, particularly in the United States. In concrete terms, operators often need to provide new specific parameters on new smartphones. To do this, they ask users to update their network settings.

It is in exactly the same way and in the same form that a series of malicious SMS messages were discovered byCheckpoint. These pretend to be your operator, and ask you to carry out a network update.

However, the latter is clearly not to your advantage. Hackers take advantage of this to create an intermediary between you and the internet. A way to intercept transmitted data, including your emails. Once the phone gets the problem, no solution exists.

Samsung and LG correct their copy, Sony does not feel concerned

Since the information was revealed to the public byCheckpoint, Android brands have obviously been warned. Samsung and LG have also confirmed that they have carried out a security update, and Huawei has indicated that they are in the process of making changes.

For its part, Sony responded to the news, indicating that its devices were not affected. Be careful, everyone, and don't hesitate to contact your operator if you receive SMS of this type.