Here’s How Google and Samsung Are Making Your Smartphone More Secure

By Chris Neiger – Aug 12, 2015 at 8:00AM

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Google and mobile device makers are working harder to protect Android headsets from major security threats like Stagefright.

This summer, a group of security professionals found one of the most destructive Android bugs to ever hit Google's (GOOG -2.33%) (GOOGL -2.23%) mobile operating system. With Stage fright (one word) hackers can access an Android phone by just sending a text message to the device, sometimes without the user even knowing what's happened. An estimated 95% of Android phones are vulnerable, making it both of the most dangerous and widespread.

To fight off Stagefright and forthcoming security flaws, Google, Samsung (NASDAQOTH: SSNLF) and others are ramping up regular security patches. To find out more about what the companies are doing and how it'll make Android devices more secure, click through the slideshow below.

Chris Neiger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Google (A shares) and Google (C shares). The Motley Fool owns shares of Google (A shares) and Google (C shares). We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.