The Android’s mediaserver was the primary fix from these security updates. This mediaserver component helped facilitate the processing of video and audio on the Android device. There were 16 vulnerabilities fixed within the mediaserver, with 7 of them being marked as “critical” flaws.

Read More: Why Would Hewlett Packard Want to Hack Itself?

Many of these problems were found within chipset drivers. As a result, on the security bulletin, the patches are split up between fixes for all Androids and fixes for Androids with chipset drivers. Specifically, 54 high-security flaws were identified within chipset drivers. These flaws could have resulted in a complete compromise of your device.

Several of these patches — 75 to be exact — were marked as device specific. This means that the patches only affected a select number of Android phones, whereas other devices weren’t affected. Among these 75 patches, 12 were marked as “critical,” meaning that the security flaw that was fixed posed a dangerous threat to the device. The Wi-Fi driver and USB driver were two of the components addressed in this security patch.

If you wish to see what security update your phone is currently on, go to your device’s “About phone” setting. There will be a string of text presented to you under your security patch. Google your phone’s security patch number to see what the patch corresponds to. Clicking on this “About phone” setting should also notify you if you have the most recent patch installed.

Am I Safe?

There will always be a proliferation of computer hacking; however, there will also be a persistent attempt to minimize these hackings. Although you are not completely safe, there are steps you can take to help prevent a malware infestation.

Start off by downloading PSafe Total for free on the Google Play Store. PSafe Total contains several features that help foster security and efficiency on your device.

What is the danger?

A security firm known as Kaspersky Labs recently conducted a study to assess the security (or lack thereof) of these public charging docks. The results? They were able to easily install viruses through the USB cable. The scary part is it took them under three minutes. The study also shows that computers are highly vulnerable for the same reasons.

Read More: How can you Tell Which Android Phone is Right for You?

How does all of this work?

When you plug your phone into these charging docks, your phone leaks some information through the USB cable connected to your device. Hackers can connect their computers or phones to the same charging dock and retrieve the information. Some of the data your phone releases is incredibly private, including the device type, serial number, list of files, and the name of the manufacturer.

How can I protect myself?

1. Encrypt your text messages. If you are concerned about the privacy of your text messages, third party apps such as WhatsApp will successfully shield your messages from hackers.
2. Protect your phone with a fingerprint ID or a password, and maintain the phone’s lock during its charge. This will make it much harder for the hackers to access your information.
3. Constantly check for updates. Your phone company should update your phone with security programs that can help prevent these hacks.
4. Antivirus protection. PSafe’s antivirus system vigilantly scans all of your phone files and searches for security breaches.

Easiest of all, don’t plug your phone into these public charging docks. There are mobile phone chargers that are available for purchase that are much safer and inaccessible by hackers.

VithU

If you need to dial an emergency number in a life-threatening situation, you don’t always have time to open your phone’s dialing and push three digits. VithU makes emergency dialing even faster by letting you press your power button twice to send out a SOS message to your contacts. Your contacts immediately receive a message with your location and every two minutes afterward.

Watch Over Me

Watch Over Me lets you set alerts if you’re worried about potential danger. The app’s home screen has you fill in two statements. First, you fill out the statement “Watch Over Me While I…” do something like walk home, go on a date, or have a drink at a bar. Second, you fill out the statement “For…” and you enter how long you plan to be doing each one of these things. If you don’t confirm that you’ve arrived safely by the time the app’s counter gets to zero, the app will alert your pre-selected contacts of your current location.

Sentinel Personal Security SOS App

This app has many of the same features as the other apps, but is more useful if you’re traveling somewhere where you won’t have Internet service. The Sentinel app still works to send out texts to your emergency contacts, regardless of if your phone is connected to the Internet. The app alerts your emergency contacts with your GPS location, the time you sent the message, and the direction you’re traveling.