An unscrupulous specialist from an uncertified service center can infect a customer’s Android smartphone when changing the system software of the device. Kaspersky Lab cybersecurity expert Dmitry Galov told socialbites.ca about this.
Modifying system software is also called device firmware. Usually this procedure is performed to completely clean the smartphone or introduce new functions that are not provided by the manufacturer. Especially recently, the media wrote that private craftsmen and small service centers in Russia began to offer a mass service for flashing Samsung smartphones to activate the Samsung Pay contactless payment system in them.
“This could be about [внедрении] various types of malicious and unwanted programs: from adware to various Trojans. In addition, it cannot be ruled out that the device does not work properly after flashing, including, for example, services related to financial transactions,” said Galov.
Also, in some cases, flashing can lead to potential data loss or even disable the device, according to Galov.
As the expert explains, firmware provides rich opportunities for an unscrupulous specialist, because during this procedure he gets unlimited access to the settings of internal systems.
“Therefore, before carrying out any such manipulation with a smartphone, we recommend that you assess all possible risks and contact only certified service centers for services,” Galov added.
Formerly socialbites.ca Wrote About Samsung Galaxy S23 smartphone owners complaining about problems with the camera.