How to get protected against Stagefright, the latest Android vulnerability
We recently saw a new very dangerous vulnerability for the user of Android. An exploit in the system that allowed the hacker to access the device and have full control over it. It could also download and delete all our stored content.
A vulnerability that Google has to correct as soon as possible because there is much sensitive information here. This exploit called Stagefright was discovered by a security company called Zimperium. It is important to know that this exploit has to do with the internal device storage and management. A vulnerability exploited by MMS to get into our device and grab it.
But after absent of solution by Google and manufacturers, there are alternative methods to be protected from this exploit. If the ‘Trojan’ comes through MMS, then the solution is to disable the automatic reception of MMS files. Now we will explain what to do to avoid falling victim to a hacking exploit through Stagefright. We’ll have to go to our SMS messaging services (including WhatsApp) and uncheck the ‘auto retrieve’. This way you will be exempt from the problem with this vulnerability because they will not be downloaded automatically, you will need to give permission for it to be stored.
This option is in the Settings application and generally under the heading of MMS or Advanced. You will not have trouble finding it in the settings. Many applications should offer this option, but there will be some who do not. If your application does not support short messaging disable this feature considers the change it.
As we have said, until the manufacturers fixed it via code it could be a long time. But also CyanogenMod users should start getting updates to fix the bug Stagefright between this week and next, because they already have settled one, as Google has already fixed the problem and now is the time the manufacturers release timely updates to correct this vulnerability.