Aug 20, 2016 09:21 AM EDT By Shunie Pearl C. Dela Cruz, UniversityHerald Reporter

About 1.4 billion (or 80 percent) of android smartphones and tablets have been reportedly vulnerable to hacking. A security flaw in Android 4.4 KitKat was spotted to be vulnerable to Linux kernel flaw that enable hackers to spy on unencrypted traffic and terminate connections through injecting malware into communication parties.

Linux kernel flaw

The android ecosystem was affected with the reported Linux kernel flaw. According to The Next Web, it was during the implementation of the TCP protocol when the flaw was detected. The flaw was reported to have been incorporated in the Linux systems deployed since the year 2012. Unfortunately, on July 11, 2016, Linux foundation has patched the Linux kernel.

How to know if your device is hacked?

It's difficult to know when your device is under control by a stranger most especially when you lack the IT knowledge. However, the following are the basic indications that someone other than yourself is taking control of your device:

1)      Random Popups - constantly redirected to Play Store app install page and prompt you with a fake virus warning and update notifications during idle time of your phone which is not normal. A malware might be installed in your device.

2)      Data Usage - apps that are constantly using high usage of data is a possible indication of hacking. To be able to stop this app, head to Settings and look for that app in the App Usage.

3)      Battery Usage - spyware apps and key loggers often run in the background so that it will be difficult to trace but your battery history can tell about their presence. To prevent this, head to settings then Battery and look for a suspicious app.

How to prevent the hacking?

Malwares, spywares and key loggers that you didn't install yourself can be easily removed through an anti-virus. Also, you can go to Settings and run through the unfamiliar apps and click remove or uninstall to further eliminate them from your device. 

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