According to news in the media, Android devices are currently exposed to security hazards. Experts have detected a security error in the part of the system used for viewing multimedia files. All Android devices, regardless of the network in which they are used, are exposed to the risk. The error may enable malware to spread via multimedia (most probably video) files irrespective of the channel via which they are received (MMS, WhatsApp, Hangouts, Facebook, etc.). The virus can affect all contacts contained in the device and attack other Android devices.
The only 100% efficient measure against this hazard is correction of the error in the Android operating system. Before such correction is made and before the firmware is then updated in all types of devices, T-Mobile has decided to implement its own temporary precautionary measure: beginning on 11 August 2015, the operator will filter all multimedia messages containing audio and video files. Such messages will not be delivered to customers and, if sent from the T-Mobile network, will not be billed to the sender. Other types of multimedia messages will be delivered in the standard manner. This precaution applies not only to all T-Mobile brands but also to all customers who use the services of any virtual operator using the TMCZ network.
“T-Mobile has long put great emphasis on the maximum safety of its customers. Therefore we feel it is our duty to respond to the detected hazard,” explains František Mala, Resident Segment Director at T-Mobile, adding: “Though our measure is only partial and temporary, we believe that it can help protect our customers.”
The precaution can limit the risk of the virus spreading to a certain degree. However, as any multimedia file can be infected, the operator recommends that customers apply utmost prudence when downloading any multimedia files in their Android devices and opening such files.
T-Mobile is continuing to monitor the situation and has been intensively striving to search for a better response to the hazard. More detailed information regarding the problem and instructions on how to protect your devices can be found on the website at www.t-mobile.cz/mms-omezeni, which is regularly updated.