Hackers have found a way to get root access to a G1 Android mobile phone Hackers have found a way to circumvent controls in the Google Android operating system used on T-Mobile’s G1 mobile phone, allowing them to get around restrictions created by the phone’s designers.The hack gives G1 users a way to read data on parts of the phone that are normally walled off and could be used to install new programs, or even a new operating system, on the mobile phone. Currently, programs for the open-source Android operating system must be written in Java, rather than other popular programming languages such as C or C++.Details on how to gain superuser “root” access to the phone were posted Tuesday to an Android development forum. Step-by-step instructions have also been published online.According to posters on the discussion board, the hack should be attempted only by technically sophisticated users because a misstep could render the G1 phone inoperable. Developers were able to hack the phone thanks to a bug in the Android operating system, Google said Wednesday. “We’ve been notified of this issue and have developed a fix,” the company said. “We’re currently working with our partners to push the fix out and updating the open source code base to reflect these changes.”Android is Google’s answer to Apple’s iPhone. One difference, however, is that Google makes only the phone’s software. The G1 itself is made by Taiwan’s HTC, and Google is lining up handset makers to build other Android systems. T-Mobile is the first service provider to sell an Android phone; its G1 went on sale in late October. The iPhone was similarly unlocked after its June 2007 introduction, through a process known as “jailbreaking.” Related content news analysis DHS unveils one common platform for reporting cyber incidents Ahead of CISA cyber incident reporting regulations, DHS issued a report on harmonizing 52 cyber incident reporting requirements, presenting a model common reporting platform that could encompass them all. By Cynthia Brumfield Sep 25, 2023 10 mins Regulation Regulation Regulation news Chinese state actors behind espionage attacks on Southeast Asian government The distinct groups of activities formed three different clusters, each attributed to a specific APT group. By Shweta Sharma Sep 25, 2023 4 mins Advanced Persistent Threats Cyberattacks feature How to pick the best endpoint detection and response solution EDR software has emerged as one of the preeminent tools in the CISO’s arsenal. Here’s what to look for and what to avoid when choosing EDR software. By Linda Rosencrance Sep 25, 2023 10 mins Intrusion Detection Software Security Monitoring Software Data and Information Security feature Top cybersecurity M&A deals for 2023 Fears of recession, rising interest rates, mass tech layoffs, and conservative spending trends are likely to make dealmakers cautious, but an ever-increasing need to defend against bigger and faster attacks will likely keep M&A activity steady in By CSO Staff Sep 22, 2023 24 mins Mergers and Acquisitions Data and Information Security IT Leadership Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe