Urgent warning to one billion Android users.

40% of Android phones no longer have security patches, facing the risk of malware stealing financial data, forcing users to consider upgrading their devices.

Google has stopped providing security updates for some Android devices. Photo: Cnet .

According to Google, up to 40% of Android phones are vulnerable to malware and spyware attacks. Users in this group should upgrade their phones to a newer version.

Part of the reason stems from Google ceasing to release security patches for phones running Android 12 or earlier. As a result, phone models released in 2021 or earlier are no longer protected against the latest malware threats.

According to Google's latest Android version distribution data, only 57.9% of Android devices are running version 13 or higher. This means that 42.1% of current Android phones are vulnerable to attacks.

In December 2025, an estimated one billion Android users were at risk, and that number has remained unchanged to this day, according to PhoneArena . The long-standing problem with Android lies in the fragmentation of the operating system update process.

You may also like

Russia is building a self-reliant technology ecosystem.VTV.vn - From Yandex to domestic platforms, Russia is gradually developing its own technology ecosystem to reduce its dependence on global giants.

Hanoi: Seriously and effectively implementing Resolution No. 57-NQ/TWThe Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee stated that, in the coming period, Hanoi will continue to closely follow the directives of the Central Committee and seriously and effectively implement Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW.

Dak Lak: Bringing gender equality information to every household in remote areas.Dak Lak province will utilize the local broadcasting system in conjunction with community Zalo groups in residential areas to disseminate gender equality information to every household, especially in remote areas and areas inhabited by ethnic minorities.

Percentage of users of different Android versions. Image: 9to5Google.

While Apple manufactures both the devices and the operating system, Android is developed by Google, but besides the Pixel line, many different companies produce Android phones. This makes the synchronized rollout of updates nearly impossible.

Because of this fragmentation, the percentage of Android users who own the latest version of the operating system is extremely low. As of December, only 7.5% of devices were running Android 16.

Conversely, according to StatCounter , as of this month, iOS 26 is present on 50% of iPhones. The previous version, iOS 26, also accounts for 40%. Due to the Liquid Glass interface, the adoption rate of iOS 26 is not as high as usual, but it is still very high.

Google directly recommends that users who cannot update beyond Android 12 should consider upgrading and buying a new phone. If price is a concern, users will still be safer choosing a mid-range phone, provided that the new device runs Android 13 or higher.

For those who aren't ready, devices running Android 7 and above still have built-in malware protection, albeit weaker. "These devices still benefit from the latest Play Protect security signatures and real-time malware scanning," a company spokesperson said.

United States - Vietnam: Don't miss

Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung visits and works in Minnesota, USA.From June 28-30, the Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States, Nguyen Quoc Dung, paid a visit and worked in Minnesota.

Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment in high technology.On the morning of June 26th, at the Government Headquarters, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung received Mr. Jeff Place, Supply Chain Director of Coherent Group (USA). During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment, especially in high-tech, innovation, and semiconductor industries.

Encourage U.S. businesses to expand investment in high-tech sectors.Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung said that Vietnam welcomes US businesses to continue expanding their operations in Vietnam, especially in high-tech industries and sectors with high added value.

To understand the level of risk, a malware attack can allow attackers to steal login credentials used for sensitive applications and websites. Without security updates, malware can infiltrate through fake apps, suspicious links, or unpatched vulnerabilities.

These codes can automatically record keystrokes and retrieve OTPs displayed on the screen. For example, cybercriminals could log in and use passwords to access and drain users' bank accounts and stock investments.

Source: https://znews.vn/canh-bao-khan-toi-mot-ty-nguoi-dung-android-post1626084.html