Android devices face 40% malware risk: upgrade now to stay secure

Google warns 1 billion android users of high malware risk

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According to the latest data from Google, an alarming 40% of all Android devices are vulnerable to new malware and spyware attacks. This means that nearly half of Android phone users are at risk of having their personal data compromised.

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Older android phones no longer receive security updates

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The main culprit behind this vulnerability is the fact that Google no longer issues security patches to phones running Android 12 or older. This means that phones released in 2021 and before are not protected from the latest malicious malware attacks.

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Only 7.5% of android devices run latest android build

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Fragmentation is another major issue affecting Android updates. Unlike iOS, where Apple develops and controls the operating system across all its devices, Android is developed by Google and used by multiple manufacturers. This leads to a disjointed update process, with only 7.5% of Android devices currently running the latest Android 16 build.

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Android distribution figures: december 2025

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Android Version	Percentage of Devices
Android 16	7.5%
Android 15	19.3%
Android 14	17.2%
Android 13	13.9%
Android 12	11.4%
Android 11	13.7%
Android 10	7.8%
Android 9	4.5%
Android 8	2.3%

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What to do if your android phone is vulnerable

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If your Android phone is among the 40% vulnerable to malware attacks, Google urges you to upgrade to a new Android device as soon as possible. Even if you can't afford a flagship model, consider a mid-range phone that can run Android 13 or higher for improved security.

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Google play protect still offers some protection for older android devices

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For those unwilling or unable to upgrade, Google Play Protect, which provides built-in malware protection for Android phones, still supports devices running Android 7 and above. However, this protection may not be enough to safeguard against the latest threats.

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Conclusion: one billion android users must act to stay secure

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In light of these alarming figures, it's clear that Android users must take immediate action to protect their devices and personal data. Either upgrade to a newer, more secure Android phone or risk falling victim to malware attacks that could compromise your sensitive information.