An Android flaw lets apps secretly access people's cameras and upload the videos to an external server GOOG, GOOGL

Get the Full StoryAntonio Villas-Boas Business Insider

A security flaw in Google's Android lets malicious apps access users' camera and microphone to secretly record them and upload the videos to an external server.

The flaw, uncovered by Checkmarx and reported by Ars Technica, also allowed hackers to track metadata like the GPS location where videos were recorded.

Google has patched the flaw for its Pixel phones and Samsung has done the same for its devices, but other Android devices could still be vulnerable, according to Checkmarx.

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A security flaw in Android's operating system made it possible for malicious apps to hijack a user's smartphone camera, record video and audio, and upload those clips to an external server without the person's knowledge.

The flaw was uncovered by the cybersecurity firm Checkmarx in July, and its findings were published Tuesday, Ars Technica first reported.See the rest of the story at Business InsiderNOW WATCH: Most maps of Louisiana aren't entirely right. Here's what the state really looks like.See Also:I took a class at Google on how to get the best search results, and I learned 5 tricks everyone should knowHow to use private browsing on your iPhone, and turn it off when you're done browsingThe FTC confirmed Facebook isn't the only tech company it's investigatingSEE ALSO: An artist pranked people by leaving life-sized Airpods stickers on the ground all over San Francisco

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