Attention smartphone users: These devices are in great danger

Smartphones, which have become indispensable in our daily lives, store almost all of our personal data, from bank account details to private photos. However, device manufacturers periodically end software and security support for certain models. Many people continue to use these devices without realizing the potential dangers once their phones stop receiving updates.

Research shows that as older phone models quietly become unsupported, millions of users become vulnerable to cyberattacks. New security vulnerabilities emerge in devices for which software manufacturers have ended support, and these vulnerabilities become attractive targets for cybercriminals.

Phones that do not receive updates pose serious risks, especially in online banking and shopping applications. Due to the software vulnerabilities that increase over time in these devices, users are in great danger when performing sensitive transactions. Last year, approximately 20 percent of those who changed their phones cited the fact that their old devices no longer received security updates as the sole reason.

For example, while critical update support for iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro models is expected to end as of October 2026, it is estimated that the new generation iPhone 17 series will continue to receive updates until 2032.

HOW TO FIND OUT YOUR PHONE'S UPDATE STATUS?

Smartphone manufacturers generally do not directly notify users that their devices are no longer supported. Therefore, it is up to the user to check which models are receiving updates and which are not.

For iPhone owners:

• Go to the Settings menu.
• Select the General heading.
• Tap on the Software Update section.
• In some cases, Apple may continue to send critical security patches even if the operating system is not updated. Nevertheless, do not forget to monitor this screen to see if any security patches have arrived on your device in the last six months.

For Android users:

• Open the Settings menu.
• Tap the search bar at the top.
• Search for the phrase "security update".
• On this screen, you can see the exact date when the last security patch was installed on your phone.

Checking for updates yourself frequently is the first step to keeping your device's protection at the highest level.

PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE AGAINST SECURITY VULNERABILITIES

If your device no longer receives updates and you do not have the opportunity to switch to a new phone immediately, take these precautions to reduce the risk of cyberattacks:

• Use Only Official App Stores: Stay away from third-party files from which you would download applications from sources other than the Google Play Store or App Store.
• Be Careful on Public Wi-Fi Networks: Avoid performing mobile banking or credit card transactions on unencrypted internet networks found in cafes, airports, or public areas.
• Activate Two-Factor Authentication: Enable the two-factor security feature for your banking and email accounts using SMS or an authentication app.
• Do Not Click on Suspicious Links: Never open links in SMS, emails, or messages that appear unknown or suspicious. Messages such as "Your cargo could not be delivered" or "Congratulations, you won a prize" often contain malware, and non-updated devices are more vulnerable to such threats.

It is of great importance to implement these steps and be aware of your device's security status to safely enjoy the opportunities offered by smartphones. Especially for devices whose update support has ended, the precautions taken to both protect personal information and reduce the risk of financial loss form the most effective line of defense against cybercrime.