Google has issued a grave warning to smartphone users worldwide, confirming that over a billion Android devices are currently exposed to dangerous hacking attacks and security threats. This massive security gap affects approximately 40% of the total active Android user base. The primary cause for this vulnerability is the use of older software versions that no longer receive critical security updates from Google or device manufacturers.
As of February 2026, the risk has become significantly more urgent due to the discovery of high-level vulnerabilities that allow hackers to gain control of devices without any action from the user. For millions of people using aging hardware, the lack of software support means their personal data, financial information, and private communications are effectively left without a digital shield.
The scale of the Android security threat
The sheer number of devices at risk has sent shockwaves through the cybersecurity community. With more than three billion active Android devices globally, the 40% figure translates to roughly 1.2 billion smartphones and tablets that are now considered “end-of-life” regarding security. These devices are running versions of the operating system that Google has officially stopped patching, leaving them permanently open to any new exploits discovered by cybercriminals.
The latest reports highlight that the majority of these vulnerable devices are running Android 11 or even older versions. While Google continues to provide robust protection for modern versions like Android 12, 13, 14, and the current Android 15, those on older systems are being left behind. This “security cliff” means that as hackers develop more sophisticated tools, older phones become increasingly easy targets.
Critical flaws in the February 2026 update
The February 2026 security bulletin from Google has detailed over 45 specific vulnerabilities that need immediate attention. Among these, the most alarming is a critical flaw identified in the “System” component of the Android architecture. This particular vulnerability is classified as a Remote Code Execution (RCE) threat, which is one of the most dangerous types of digital attacks.
What makes this vulnerability particularly terrifying is its “zero-click” nature. In many traditional hacking scenarios, a user must be tricked into clicking a malicious link or downloading a suspicious file. However, this new flaw could allow an attacker to execute code and take over a device remotely via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi without the owner ever touching their phone. For users on supported software, Google has released a patch to block this entry point, but for the billion users on unsupported versions, no fix is coming.
Why older Android versions are left behind
The reason so many devices are currently at risk lies in the standard lifecycle of smartphone software. Most manufacturers only commit to providing security updates for a set number of years. Once a device reaches a certain age, the cost and technical difficulty of adapting new security patches for old hardware lead companies to end their support.
This creates a significant fragmentation issue within the Android ecosystem. While Google releases monthly security bulletins, it is up to the individual manufacturers and mobile carriers to distribute those updates to users. For older models, this chain of communication often breaks down entirely. Consequently, millions of users continue to use devices that they believe are safe, unaware that their software has not been updated in years.
Risks of malware and spyware attacks
Without the latest security patches, Android phones become a playground for malware and spyware. Cybercriminals often target older devices specifically because they know the “doors” to the system are unlocked. These attacks can result in the theft of login credentials for banking apps, the monitoring of private text messages, and even the unauthorized use of the phone’s camera and microphone to spy on the user.
Security experts note that once a vulnerability is publicly disclosed in a security bulletin, it acts as a roadmap for hackers. They can analyze the fix provided for newer phones and use that information to create exploits for the older phones that will never receive the patch. This means the risk for users on Android 11 or older increases every single month as new bulletins are released.
How to check if your device is protected
For concerned users, the first step is to identify which version of the Android operating system their device is currently running. This information is typically found in the “About Phone” or “Software Information” section of the device settings. If your phone is running Android 11, 10, or any version with a single digit, it is likely that your device is no longer receiving security updates.
You should also check the “Security Update” or “Google Play System Update” date in your settings. If the last update was several months or years ago, your device is part of the billion-plus pool currently at risk. In these cases, security professionals suggest that the only way to ensure complete protection is to upgrade to a newer device that supports current software versions.
Taking immediate security precautions
If you are unable to replace an outdated device immediately, there are a few steps you can take to minimize your exposure. You should avoid downloading apps from unofficial third-party stores and be extremely cautious when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks in airports or coffee shops. Turning off Bluetooth when it is not in use can also reduce the risk of “zero-click” proximity attacks.
However, these measures are only temporary band-aids. The fundamental problem remains that the underlying code of the operating system is broken and cannot be fixed without an official update from Google. As the digital world becomes more complex, the gap between protected and unprotected devices continues to grow, leaving over a billion people in a vulnerable position.
