Your Android phone can be hijacked through its camera

Smartphones have become more than just tools of communication they were initially made for. From games to the internet, we enjoy various conveniences built into the slabs of tech we fit in our pockets and bags. And with the age of social media, a smartphone feature that has seen various reforms through time is the camera.

File photo: Our writer #ThatsYrda taking a selfie

However, ambiguous to us, this nifty inclusion that has become one of the main selling points of a smartphone could also be used as a malicious tool by cybercriminals.

Google verifies Android smartphone cameras are susceptible to hacking

Software company Checkmarx's Security Research Team looked into the vulnerabilities of the smartphone camera and found that the sensors we revere can be used as entryway hackers.

To prove their point, Checkmarx studied the Google Camera app on the Pixel 2 XL and Pixel 3. They discovered that through permission bypass issues, the smartphone is opened up to multiple vulnerabilities. What’s worse is that this issue persists in-camera apps of several other phones in the Android ecosystem, with one of them being Samsung--Checkmarx names.

While it is common knowledge that by simply having a social media on the internet, you aren't safe from the perils of cybercrimes, having your smartphone tapped by cybercriminals raises the level of security concern.

How do hackers do it? By making use of an app, the team at Checkmarx was able to remotely see what the camera records, take and record videos, and access stored videos and photos even when the phone is locked.

So what does this mean for users?

Here are some implications of a hacked smartphone camera:

• Hackers can take photos and record videos without permission
• When your location is on and you open the camera app, hackers can find out details such as where you live, places you often visit, your work, and potentially use it against you.
• Access possibly incriminating stored videos and photos
• Record video and audio during a video call. This not only potentially puts you in danger, but also the people around you.

While this news can be ominous, you can prevent your phone from being hacked by being mindful of the applications you download as these malicious tools can be guised as a seemingly harmless weather app, a game, a notepad app, among others. Avoid suspicious applications and report to Google if you suspect an app is illegally getting information from its users.

The good news is, Checkmarx already brought the issue to Google's attention. The tech company released a statement that they already addressed the issue and updated the Google Camera Application to prevent the issue from happening again.

Samsung, on the other hand, has also confirmed they're affected and are reported to be taking measures to intercept this cyber attack and further fortify the security of Samsung owners.

Do you think a solution as simple as an update is enough to secure our smartphone’s camera? Let us know what you think.

Source: Checkmarx