CALIFORNIA (Web Desk) - Google has confirmed a security flaw in Android 16 that could allow the lock screen security system to be bypassed under certain conditions. The company said it is aware of the issue and is preparing a software update to fix it.
According to a report, the vulnerability is linked to a Gemini feature that can be used from the lock screen. If a user has already disabled Gemini access to apps such as WhatsApp or messaging services, the phone normally requires a PIN before those apps can be accessed.
However, the report said that by pressing the "Add Attachment" and "Continue" buttons at the same time in a specific sequence, PIN verification can, in some cases, be bypassed.
The report added that an attacker could not only send messages but also re-enable Gemini access to WhatsApp after it had been disabled.
According to the report, Google has been aware of the issue since May. The flaw is not limited to Pixel phones and may also affect other Android devices. However, it is not yet clear which brands or Android versions are affected.
Cybersecurity experts describe this type of vulnerability as an "authentication bypass" or "lock screen bypass".
Although such security flaws occasionally appear in different operating systems, users are advised to install official security updates as soon as they become available to reduce potential security risks.