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Gmail app hacked by academics

Researchers in the USA are able to hack into Gmail accounts with a success rate of 92% by exploiting a weakness in smartphone memory.

Data from Gmail and a host of other applications was tapped into using malicious software disguised as a genuine app.  The exploit was found on handsets using the Android operating system but the researchers have said it could also be present on other operating systems.

A Google spokesperson said Welcomed the research saying, “Third-party research is one of the ways Android is made stronger and more secure,”.

Other apps were found to be vunerable including Hotels.com and Amazon with the Amazon app being the hardest to crack with only a 48% success rate.  The hack access shared memory of a smartphone using malware often disguised as a seemingly harmless app or game, the shared memory can then be analysed and login details and passwords can then be stolen.