Over 1 Billion Smartphones at Risk of Cyberattacks, Google Warns

More than 40% of Android smartphones, or over 1 billion devices, are now vulnerable to cyberattacks because they are running Android 12 or older versions, Google has confirmed. These outdated phones no longer receive security updates, leaving them exposed to malware and spyware threats.

According to Forbes, only 57.9% of devices currently run Android 13 or newer. By December 2025, just 7.5% of phones were on the latest Android 16, while Android 15, 14, and 13 were on 19.3%, 17.2%, and 13.9% of devices, respectively. This shows a large portion of phones still run outdated software, putting users at risk.

Google’s Advice
Devices launched in 2021 or earlier are the most vulnerable. Google recommends that if your phone cannot run Android 13 or higher, you should consider switching to a newer device rather than attempting risky updates. Mid-range devices with newer software often provide better security than older flagship phones.

While Google Play Protect scans for malware on devices running Android 7 and above, it cannot replace system-level security patches, which are essential to prevent advanced attacks.

Check Your Android Version
Go to your phone’s Settings > About Phone to see the Android version. Devices running Android 12 or older cannot be updated and should ideally be replaced. Using outdated phones can allow attackers to steal passwords, intercept messages, access banking apps, or drain accounts. Google urges users to switch to updated phones to safeguard personal data.