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42% of Android Devices Vulnerable to Malware, Google Warns

2/7/2026

44 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Google Warns Vulnerable Androids

As of February 7, 2026, 42.1% of Android devices run versions that no longer receive security updates.
Google warns that devices below Android 13 are increasingly vulnerable to malware and scams.
Cybercriminals reported a 151% rise in Android-targeting malware in early 2025.
Google emphasizes upgrading to newer models to maintain security.
Samsung has ceased updates for many Galaxy S21 models, illustrating the patch gap in the Android ecosystem.

Summary

Google Update Clarification

As of February 7, 2026, Google says the Google Play system update displays November 2025 instead of January 2026, and the issue is display-only with a labeling fix underway.
Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 move to a quarterly update schedule, with monthly security patches missed.
Newer Pixel models continue to receive regular updates.
Users should keep installing updates as they arrive.

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Google Warns Vulnerable Androids

As of February 7, 2026, 42.1% of Android devices run versions that no longer receive security updates.
Google warns that devices below Android 13 are increasingly vulnerable to malware and scams.
Cybercriminals reported a 151% rise in Android-targeting malware in early 2025.
Google emphasizes upgrading to newer models to maintain security.
Samsung has ceased updates for many Galaxy S21 models, illustrating the patch gap in the Android ecosystem.

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