Smartphone Users Urged to Check Security Settings Amidst Support Withdrawals
Severity: Medium (Score: 54.9)
Sources: Express, Mirror
Published: · Updated:
Keywords: their, check, smartphone, device, make, important, manufacturer
Severity indicators: ot
Summary
Smartphone users are advised to check their device settings to assess security vulnerabilities. When manufacturers like Apple and Samsung stop supporting older models, data becomes increasingly at risk. Approximately 20% of users upgraded their phones last year due to lack of software updates. A free tool from Which? allows users to check their device's support status in under a minute. For instance, iPhone 12 users will lose security support in October 2026, while newer models will receive updates until 2032. Unsupported devices may lack critical security patches, leaving them open to cyber threats. Users are encouraged to avoid sensitive tasks on unsupported phones. Checking settings can reveal the current security status of devices. Both articles emphasize the importance of regular updates to protect against cybercriminals. Key Points: • 20% of users upgraded phones last year due to lack of software updates. • iPhone 12 security support ends in October 2026; newer models supported until 2032. • Users should avoid sensitive tasks on unsupported devices to mitigate risks.
Detailed Analysis
**Impact** Smartphone users globally are affected, particularly those using older models from major manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, Nokia, Google, Huawei, and Motorola. Approximately 20% of users upgraded their devices last year due to discontinued security support. Users continuing to operate unsupported devices risk exposure of personal and sensitive data, including mobile banking, online shopping, and work emails. The lack of updates increases vulnerability to cyber threats as unpatched software flaws accumulate over time. **Technical Details** No specific attack vectors, TTPs, malware, CVEs, or infrastructure details are provided in the articles. The primary risk arises from the cessation of regular security patches by manufacturers, leaving operating systems exposed to emerging threats. The kill chain stage most relevant is the exploitation phase, where attackers leverage unpatched vulnerabilities in outdated software. **Recommended Response** Users should immediately verify their device’s security update status using the free tool provided by Which? and check the latest security patch date in their phone settings (iPhone: Settings > General > Software Update; Android: Settings > search "Security update"). If support has ended or updates have not been received in the past six months, users should consider upgrading their device or limiting sensitive activities on the phone. Organizations should monitor for signs of compromise related to outdated mobile OS versions and educate users on maintaining device security hygiene.
Source articles (2)
- All smartphone users should check one device setting today — Express · 2026-06-01
People who have their lives saved on their smartphones should all make an important check to see how safe their device is. When a manufacturer like Apple, Samsung or Nokia decides to drop support for… - Simple settings check to make sure your smartphone is not 'defenceless' — Mirror · 2026-06-01
Anyone who stores their personal data on their smartphone should carry out an important check to find out just how secure their device really is. When a manufacturer such as Apple , Samsung, or Nokia…
Timeline
- 2026-06-01 — Smartphone security check recommended: Users are advised to check their smartphone settings to ensure device security amidst manufacturer support withdrawals.
- 2026-06-01 — 20% of users upgraded due to lack of updates: Consumer group Which? reported that 20% of users upgraded their phones last year because their devices stopped receiving vital software rollouts.
- 2026-06-01 — iPhone 12 support ends announcement: Users with iPhone 12 models should expect security support to cease in October 2026, according to Which?.
- 2026-06-01 — Newer iPhones supported until 2032: The latest generation of iPhones will continue to receive security updates until 2032, as reported by Which?.