Rowhammer Vulnerability Remotely Attacks Android Devices

Since the first smartphones and tablets rolled off the assembly line, the Android operating system has been a popular alternative to Apple.

The Android operating system is known for its speed, stability and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for both business and personal use.

Unfortunately, the Android operating system is also known for a number of vulnerabilities, but some are more serious than others.

A new vulnerability, dubbed Rowhammer, has come to light, and it is one of the most frightening threats yet.

Unlike many other Android operating system vulnerabilities, which require direct access to the infected device, the Rowhammer exploit can be used to create remote attacks. Even if you have your smartphone or tablet in your hand, a hacker could still take control through this powerful exploit.

The details behind the Rowhammer exploit are highly technical in nature, and they can be difficult to understand, let alone deal with. For that reason, many IT security experts view this exploit as the latest in a long line of wakeup calls. The Rowhammer vulnerability may be a relatively new one, but it is the latest in a string of threats targeted at mobile devices.

As the number of mobile devices increases, hacker interest is sure to follow. This is particularly true in the business world, where market penetration of smartphones and tablets is growing rapidly. The trend toward a “bring your own device (BYOD)” approach has made threats more difficult to pin down and eradicate, which is one more reason businesses are adopting formal mobile device management plans.

By adopting a mobile device management (MDM) plan, businesses can protect their network, devices, employees, and their data. If you have not yet created such a plan, the inherent dangers of the Rowhammer vulnerability should serve as a wake-up call.

Here are the basics you need to know about the Rowhammer vulnerability – and what can you do to prevent an attack from infiltrating your business.

What is a Rowhammer Attack?

While the details are highly technical in nature, in short, the Rowhammer attack manipulates the memory of an affected device, potentially allowing a hacker to take control of the smartphone or tablet remotely.

In technical jargon, the Rowhammer issue is known as a DRAM vulnerability. Like other DRAM vulnerabilities, Rowhammer cannot be addressed with either operating system updates or security software.

If you think your devices might be vulnerable, the best thing to do is call your mobile device carrier. Then can contact Ontech to address this serious issue and develop a mobile device management plan that works for your business. Call us today at 262-522-8560 to ensure your business is not susceptible to an attack the Rowhammer vulnerability.

What Does the Attack Do?

The scariest part of this vulnerability is that it could allow remote access to your mobile devices. If those devices are used in your business, either as part of a “bring your own device (BYOD)” policy or on their own, a single compromised smartphone or tablet could put your entire computer network at risk.

The remote exploit capabilities of the Rowhammer attack is by far its biggest threat, but it is not the only one. The Rowhammer vulnerability could also compromise the device itself, causing the loss of data which directly impacts productivity in your workforce.

How Can You Protect Your Business and Mobile Devices?

Protecting mobile devices from threats like the Rowhammer vulnerability is not easy. Since this attack relies on vulnerabilities in the memory of the device, simply updating the operating system and applying the latest security patches is not enough.

If you feel your devices are at risk, you need expert help to assess the situation and address the issue in your workplace. Ontech Systems is here to help, and we can design a mdm solution that makes sense for your business.

Whether the mobile devices used in your office are owned by the company or they are employee property, the best defense is a mobile device management plan to help you not only manage, but protect these devices from Rowhammer and other emerging threats.

Rowhammer may be intimidating and confusing, but you don’t have to face it alone.

Just call the experts at Ontech Systems advice and guidance at 262-522-8560. We’ll show you the path to using mobile devices in your workplace – without putting your network or data at risk.