Samsung Galaxy Bug Puts 600 Million Smartphones at Risk of Cyber Attacks

Experts have a found a huge security flaw in the Swift Keyboard which comes preinstalled on Samsung phones.

The flaw could end up putting over 600 million Samsung handsets under threat since it is now possible to install malware or even access the device for stored messages or pictures.

The other factor that makes the flaw a serious security issue is that Swift keyboard cannot be disabled or uninstalled. So even if the mobile user does not use this particular feature, the flaw can still be exploited by hackers.

If exploited, the user can access the phone's camera and even GPS data. With the installation of malware, people can listen in on phone calls or access picture files stored in the cell.

According to WNEP, devices that are at risk due to the Swift keyboard flaw include the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S5, Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S4 Mini. T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T.

Ryan Welton, researcher at NowSecure and the person responsible for discovering the flaw has said that it is difficult to determine which devices are saee since many networks and carriers have started to release patches.

He said, "While Samsung began providing a patch to mobile network operators in early 2015, it is unknown if the carriers have provided the patch to the devices on their network. In addition, it is difficult to determine how many mobile device users remain vulnerable, given the devices models and number of network operators globally."