While a security patch is the only way to fi x the
Stagefright bug, there are a fewother
defensive measures that you can take
Disable auto-fetching
While you can’t stop your
phone from receiving MMS
messages, you can stop your
' phone from automatically
downloading video and giving
hackers easy access to your
data. In GoogIe’s stock
Messenger app, go to
Settings > Advanced and
toggle Auto-retrieve to Off. In Hangouts, go to
Settings > SMS and untick Auto retrieve MMS
from the list of options
installing CyanogenMod
If you’re phone is not
due to be patched for a
long time, orthe
manufacturer hasn’t
‘ announced any update
I plans at all, one
= alternative to consider
is installing CyanogenMod. This popular ROM
has already fixed the Stagefright bug, but just
make sure you‘re running CMl2.0 or 12.1
nightlies. However, to install CyanogenMod you
will need to root your Android.
Install antivirus apps
While Lookout make a point of
saying they can’t patch the
Stagefright bug, the mobile
security and theft protection
service do recommend
antivirus software. This way,
services such as Lookout will
alert you when they detectany
malware sent via MMS. Lookout is free to
download and includes a two-week free trial,
but costs £19.99 a month after that.
Get zlPS Protection
Zimperium, the company that
discovered the Stagefright
flaws, were quick to patch their
a cyber-protection software,
called ZIPS Protection.
Unfortunately, their suite of
security tools is only available
for businesses, rather than
individual users, but if you own a company that
relies on Android products and you’re worried
about being targeted, this is worth considering.
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