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Android users must update their phones now over bugs that allow hackers to bypass passwords and hijack devices

ANDROID users have been told to update their phones immediately to fix two bugs that allowed hackers to hijack devices.

One bug, which meant hackers could install malware or steal files from devices without even needing a password, was already exploited in the wild before Google fixed it.

Handcuffed person using a smartphone.
Getty
The February 2025 security update fixed nearly 50 cybersecurity flaws discovered in the previous Android software.[/caption]

Google said it was a “high security vulnerability”, and the most severe out of all the cyber flaws found.

The severity assessment is based on the effect that exploiting the vulnerability would possibly have on an affected device,” Google explained in a recent security bulletin.

The second bug allowed cyber crooks to control phones and make them crash from afar.

Fortunately, Google patched this before hackers spotted it.

The February 2025 security update fixed nearly 50 cybersecurity flaws discovered in the previous Android software.

Mobile phone owners are strongly advised to install the latest security update as soon as it becomes available.

“Exploitation for many issues on Android is made more difficult by enhancements in newer versions of the Android platform,” added Google.

“We encourage all users to update to the latest version of Android where possible.”

Google Pixel devices will receive the update immediately.

While Android phones from other manufacturers, like Samsung or Motorola, will receive it later.

Android owners should check their Settings, and look for either the the 2025-02-01 and 2025-02-05 security patch levels.

The Android security team closely monitors suspicious apps and files through Google Play Protect.

The feature, first introduced in 2022, checks apps to see if they’re safe before you download them.

Google Play Protect has been beefed up with new AI-powered threat detection tools in recent years, which helped it block more than 2.36million apps from joining the Google Play store last year.

How does Google Play Protect work?

Here's what Google Play protect does...

  • Checks Google Play store apps for safety before download
  • Checks for non-Play store apps that may be harmful
  • Warns you about harmful apps
  • Deactivates or removes harmful apps
  • Warns you about apps that violate policy by hiding or misrepresenting themselves
  • Sends you privacy alerts about apps that can use permissions to access your personal data
  • Reset app permissions to protect your privacy

Google’s protection feature might not catch all instances of bad behaviour – so you still need to be careful online.

a phone displays a message that says " no problems found "
Google
You can activate this feature under Play Protect > Settings.[/caption]

How to check if Google Play Protect is on

Open the Google Play store app and then tap your profile icon in the top right.

Next, tap Settings, and then look under About to see if your device is Play Protect certified.

To turn it on or off, open the Play store and then tap the profile icon.

Tap Play Protect > Settings and then turn Scan Apps With Play Protect on or off.

You can activate this feature under Play Protect > Settings..

Must-know Android tips to boost your phone

Get the most out of your Android smartphone with these little-known hacks:

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‘Jack Grealish was a Tottenham player’ – Ex-Spurs chief reveals two huge transfers to ‘replace irreplaceable’ fell apart

JACK GREALISH came close to signing for Tottenham, claims the North Londoners’ former technical director Steve Hitchen.

Grealish, 29, left Aston Villa for Manchester City for £100million in 2021.

Jack Grealish of Manchester City wearing a pink bib.
Rex
Jack Grealish nearly joined Tottenham in 2018[/caption]
Video of a man speaking, text overlay says "The fans off their seat" and "@decisionmakerspod".
X @DecisionMakrs
Steve Hitchen previously worked as Tottenham’s technical director[/caption]

Three years earlier, however, Spurs failed in a £25m bid.

In September 2018, Grealish even admitted: “I thought I was leaving. Before the new owners, Villa needed the money so I kind of accepted that me going would save the club.”

Hitchen played a major role in Tottenham’s recruitment at the time, before going to leave in 2022 following Fabio Paratici‘s arrival.

Recently appearing on the Decision Makers podcast, the 48-year-old relived Spurs’ failed bid for Grealish.

He said: “We were very close to getting Jack Grealish, which would have been probably one of the best signings.

“Jack Grealish was a ‘Tottenham player’. He would have set the place alight.

“He had the skills, he would have got the fans off their seat. He would have been a difference in that time.

“We had Dele at that time and I think those two would have pushed each other as well.

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AI-generated image of Jack Grealish in a Tottenham Hotspur jersey.
Grok AI
How Grealish could have looked at Tottenham[/caption]
Portrait of Daniel Levy, Mauricio Pochettino, and other Tottenham Hotspur staff holding a silver soccer ball.
Getty
Hitchen, right, was previously a big part of Spurs’ recruitment team[/caption]

“To miss out on that player was massive in that period.”

Astonishingly, Tottenham did not sign a single player in that 2018 summer transfer window.

They then failed to recruit anyone in January 2019, despite Mousa Dembele leaving for Guangzhou R&F.

Hitchen went on to reveal that Spurs nearly pulled off a huge deal for a Dembele replacement.

He added: “We were really close to getting Frenkie de Jong.

“I think Frenkie de Jong, again, is a ‘Tottenham player’. I think he would have made a big difference for us.

“We had to replace the irreplaceable in Dembele. Probably Frenkie could’ve gone into that position and really succeeded at Spurs.”

Since leaving Tottenham, Hitchen has become director of football at talent agency Unique Sports Group (USG).

USG represent several high-profile stars, including the likes of Reece James, Anthony Gordon, Marc Guehi and Brennan Johnson.

Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona dribbling the ball.
Rex
Frenkie de Jong was on Spurs’ radar in 2019[/caption]

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The free way to stop your cheeks dropping with age – and there’s no creams involved AT ALL

AS we grow older, it’s natural to notice a few extra lines on our faces that weren’t there the year before.

With countless potions and lotions on the market, it can be overwhelming to figure out what actually works and what doesn’t.

Woman demonstrating a facial exercise.
The beauty expert shows off her results after doing the exercises
Tiktok/@wonderfacefit

And with the cost-of-living crisis tightening its grip on our purses, testing every product out there isn’t always an option.

Facials and cosmetic treatments can be just as pricey, leaving many searching for affordable alternatives.

However, one expert has revealed a simple anti-ageing trick that won’t cost you a penny.

The woman, known as ‘Wonderfacefit’ on TikTok, recently shared a video on her social media page, claiming that her beauty hack can deliver visible results in just 14 days.

Speaking to camera whilst demonstrating her trick, she says: “If you got droopy cheeks, no worries, we’re gonna fix that.

“Fill your mouth with air as if you want to rinse it. 

“Push the air down to tighten the lower muscles of your cheeks. 

“Swipe from right to the left.

“Continue doing it for 50 seconds and enjoy how your cheeks get lifted.”

In the caption of the video, she continues to explain her instructions in more depth. 

She wrote: “Keep your back straight, relax your neck, train your face muscles.

“Due to excessive tension in the neck, poor posture, and weakening muscles, our skin begins to sag.

“By training certain muscle groups, we strengthen them and lift the skin along with them.”

Her video gained 21,000 likes with many people rushing to the comments section to ask questions, and share their thoughts. 

Person demonstrating a cheek-lifting exercise.
She demonstrates the motion here
Tiktok/@wonderfacefit

One commented: “Doesn’t that just stretch it more and make it worse?” 

But the beauty expert replied with: “Nope, we tighten the face muscles through the resistance to become thicker and stronger.” 

Whilst others simply “thanked” her for sharing the hack. 

Biggest skincare trends for 2025

Face The Future’s Head of Clinic, Kimberley Medd, shared the five skincare trends predicted to take off in 2025.

1. Exosomes 

Exosomes are the buzzword for 2025, taking advanced skin regeneration to new heights. These micro-messengers signal skin cells to repair damage, boost collagen, and accelerate recovery, and they’re a gamechanger for targeting ageing.

2. Streamlined Skincare

The age of 12-step routines is fading as consumers shift to more intentional, multi-functional products. Streamlining skincare not only saves time but also reduces the risk of overloading your skin. In 2025, we’ll see a rise in hybrid products that combine active ingredients for simplified, effective results.

3. Vegan Collagen 

Plant-based collagen will dominate the skincare world this year, providing a sustainable, ethical alternative to traditional animal-derived collagen. Expect vegan collagen in everything from moisturisers to serums.

4. The Rise Of AI

AI is revolutionising the beauty landscape, making it possible for consumers to get truly personalised skincare solutions. In 2025, we predict a dramatic shift towards AI-powered tools that help people understand their skin on a deeper level.

5. Hair Loss Solutions – 

Hair loss is an issue that affects more men than we often realise, and it’s no longer just something we’re talking about behind closed doors. This year, expect to see a continued rise in demand for treatments that not only tackle hair loss but also nurture overall scalp health.

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England rugby coach reveals being physically strong is ‘only half of the battle’ as they target Six Nations glory

A TOP men’s Rugby Union coach says mental preparation is as important as being in peak shape physically.

England Men’s Rugby Union coach Richard Wigglesworth has shared how his methods are an integral part of preparing his team for success on the world stage.

Richard Wigglesworth, England attack coach, at a training session.
Getty
Richard Wigglesworth has a five point plan to improve mental preparation[/caption]
Three rugby players in England jerseys stand with a rugby ball in front of a red car.
England lost to Ireland in their Six Nations opener

And he believes being super-strong physically is only half of the battle.

The three-time European Champion Cup winning coach said: “Being mentally prepared is as important as being physically prepared.

“We take a lot of time and consideration in how we help the players to be in the best possible mental state before they go out and perform for England.”

His comments come after research of 2,000 sports-playing adults, commissioned by Honda, revealed mental visualisation techniques are increasingly popular, with many recognising their benefits for improving performance and wellbeing.

And 87 per cent believe mental preparation is important and helps them perform well in sports.

For England’s players, mental strategies are carefully tailored to build confidence and positivity.

Wigglesworth added: “I want players to be able to go out and show the very best of themselves.

“Negative thoughts are natural, but as a coaching programme, we place huge value on equipping players with the mental strategies to be positive about their next action.”

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Richard Wigglesworth's top five tips for effective mental preparation

Practice regularly: Like any skill, visualisation improves with repetition. Start by experimenting and find what works best for you.

Visualise your first actions: Prepare mentally for the initial moments of the game to set a confident tone.

Focus on repeated skills: Reinforce confidence by visualising key skills you’ll perform multiple times, such as lineouts or tackles.

Use specific scenarios: Work with your coach to identify challenges and visualise how you’ll positively impact the game.

Rehearse situations: Walk the pitch and mentally prepare for potential scenarios to boost confidence during the game.

More than half (51 per cent) of athletes incorporate sound, such as hearing the crowd, into their visualisation practices, while 45 per cent use touch, like feeling the ball, to enhance mental imagery.

The study also revealed 62 per cent use mental visualisation to improve focus, while 55 per cent use it to increase confidence.

Nearly half (47 per cent) find it helpful for staying calm in high-pressure situations, and 42 per cent use it to overcome performance anxiety.

This survey, commissioned by Honda to raise awareness of its sponsorship of the RFU ahead of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations, sheds light on how Britain’s athletes are using these techniques to enhance their game.

Rebecca Adamson, head of automobile at Honda Motor Europe (UK), said “We believe that the power of dreams extends beyond physical capability to the strength of the mind.

“This research highlights the growing recognition of mental preparation as a vital part of performance, not just in sports but in all areas of life.

“By supporting initiatives like these, we’re proud to champion the importance of focus, confidence, and positivity —qualities that inspire individuals to push their limits and achieve their goals both on and off the pitch.”

The study also found 51 per cent ‘always’ or ‘often use this mental visualisation to better their sports or fitness performance
More than half (52 per cent) use breathing exercises to help their performance, and the same amount rely on positive self-talk.

Additionally, 45 per cent use goal-setting, and 40 per cent opt for meditation or mindfulness.

It also emerged 58 per cent believe visualisation and mental preparation should be a regular part of training for sports players.

But 45 per cent face time constraints when preparing for sports or fitness activities, and 36 per cent named physical limitations or injuries as a barrier.

While 34 per cent have difficulty staying motivated, and 27 per cent lack knowledge about techniques.

Richard Wigglesworth also emphasised the importance of practising visualisation, comparing it to any other skill.

He said: “Visualising your most likely first actions in a game helps you feel like you are going to start the game well.

“Additionally, thinking about the most likely skills you will have to perform repeatedly, like a hooker throwing and visualising hitting the target, can be very beneficial.”

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Brit indie icons unrecognisable as band make comeback with 15th album – and talk touring with Oasis

A LEGENDARY British Indie band is returning for their 15th album – and shared memories of their near 40-year career with Chris Moyles. 

At the height of their fame in the 90s, this group shot through the charts with their tracks including If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next, A Design For Life and You Stole The Sun From My Heart.

Nicky Wire of the Manic Street Preachers in a radio interview.
Not known, clear with picture desk
The Indie rockers appeared on Chris Moyles’ radio show to discuss their new album[/caption]
Nicky Wire of the Manic Street Preachers during a radio interview.
Not known, clear with picture desk
The band were huge in the 90s and toured with Oasis[/caption]
Manic Street Preachers band photo.
Handout
Manic Street Preachers had massive hits including If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next[/caption]

Now, the Manic Street Preachers are still going, but were completely unrecognisable as they appeared on Radio X on Monday. 

James Dean Bradfield, 55, and Nicky Wire, 56, the lead singer and guitarist of the group, appeared on the show and discussed the ups and downs of their career so far – including touring with Oasis when the Gallagher brothers were at war with each other. 

Nicky explained: “We were touring with them in America when they sort of cancelled the tour halfway through, which was brilliant. 

“There was so much jeopardy and anxiety, and they were really, excitingly, on the edge.” 

James added that it “wasn’t them falling apart for once” on the chaotic experience. 

Reflecting on the secret to their longevity, James explained: “I think it’s a famous Orson Welles quote where he kind of said, ‘Some days acting is like driving a tricycle through a barrel full of molasses’.

“Some days it’s just rubbish. It is. But you know that if you just hang in there, keep in the game, stay in the game, the good days will just come. It’s as simple as that, really.”

“I’m not trying to be wise or… I’m not trying to be David Carradine wandering through the desert with a bit of wisdom,” he added. “But, kind of, if you just hang in there, it comes, you know?” 

Over the course of the past nearly 40 years, the band have had notable bizarre experiences, including the mysterious disappearance of their guitarist and singer-songwriter, Richey Edwards in 1995. 

To date, it’s still not known what happened to him. 

James, Nicky and Sean Moore have remained with the band since they first got together in 1986, with a rotating group of touring musicians playing alongside them. 

The band are now set to head out on tour, starting at Glasgow Barrowland on 11th April, playing through to Swansea Arena on 18th May. 

Oasis band members posing outdoors.
The band spoke about going on tour with Oasis during the chat
PA:Press Association
Nicky Wire of the Manic Street Preachers laughing while wearing headphones.
Not known, clear with picture desk
Chris Moyles was left in stitches with their memories from touring[/caption]
The Manic Street Preachers accepting a Brit Award.
The rockers have been together since 1986 and continue to perform to this day
PA:Press Association

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‘World’s oldest woman’ dies…122yr-old who was 10 when Titanic sank & whose YOUNGEST is 77 gave cheery cause of long life

A WOMAN believed to be the oldest in the world has reportedly died at an incredible 122 years of age.

Lin Shemu, from the Fujian province of China, died in her sleep on 1 January.

Photo of Lin Shemu, the world's oldest woman, who died at age 122.
Jam Press
Lin Shemu, who is believed to be the world’s oldest woman has died at 122 years old[/caption]

Shemu’s official documents state she was born on 18 June, 1902, meaning she was just 10 years old when the Titanic sank.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.

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Gladiators fans spot show has been forced into huge shake up after series of nasty injuries to contenders

GLADIATORS fans have spotted a major shake-up to the show after a series of horrifying injuries.

Nikki Billingham, a wedding celebrant from West Yorkshire was competing against gym owner Keeva from Belfast in the physically challenging game show.

Two women wrestling in a net.
BBC
Some fans have spotted a major shake-up to prevent the number of contestant injuries[/caption]
Woman in neck brace lying in hospital bed.
Instagram
Nikki Billingham was forced off the show during The Edge challenge[/caption]

However, Nikki was injured during the third event, The Edge, a criss-cross grid and was forced off the show – leaving her with a painful injury and a month long recovery.

Some eagle-eyed viewers have now noticed that producers appear to be putting new measures in place to “safeguard” the contestants.

One pointed out: “You can see when they fall now they grab the net to stop themselves rolling and colliding.”

While someone else said : “I never want to see anyone get injured but I hope the Gladiators are not being told to go easy. I do fear someone being pushed so hard off The Edge that they miss the net altogether. There have been a few falls that were scarily close to the side of the net.”

This person replied: “I’ve thought that too! I hope it’s a matter of perspective and the close calls aren’t as close as they look!”

While someone else said the net appears to be bigger compared to series one.

They wrote: “The net looks wider now in series 2 than it did in the first series.”

Some fans pointed out the various injuries that have happened on the show since the reboot.

And this fan said: “”They look like they’re actively trying to avoid it [dangerous games] for that very reason.”

Forced off

Nikki was badly injured during The Edge, The Edge, a criss-cross grid in the air that contestants have to run across while gladiators try to push them off.

Dynamite, a weightlifter called Emily Steel, pushed Nikki off the rail and she fell on the safety net below in the TV show The Gladiators.

However, as Dynamite checked in on her, Nikki winced in pain and the commentator said: “There’s some concern from Dynamite, Nikki looks like she’s got herself injured.”

As the clip replayed, the commentator added: “Well it looks like there was something in the landing, let’s hope Nikki is okay.”

Shockingly, Host Bradley Walsh was then forced to halt the show and he urged Nikki to get medical help.

Dynamite then expressed how absolutely amazing Nikki had done so far in the game and said: “No matter what happened up there and how she’s feeling right now, she (has) done so well to come this far, and she should be really proud of herself”.

Later in the show Bradley announced: “Earlier on we saw Nikki sustain an injury on ‘The Edge’.”

His son and co-host Barney added: “She’s been checked over by our brilliant medical team but unfortunately she will not be able to compete in the Eliminator.”

Now, Nikki has explained how bad her injuries were and that it took a while for her to feel better again.

Taking to social media after her elimination, Nikki began by explaining that being on the show was a childhood dream and that she’d had the best experience.

She explained: “You know what you are letting yourself in for and potential risks involved and unfortunately I did sustain an injury.

“When @dynamite_thegladiator did exactly what she was supposed to do and tackled me off the edge unfortunately when we landed, we landed together and my neck and arm took the brunt of it.

“I lost feeling in my arms, compression of my spine and it took a few weeks to come back and a few months to get fully back to where I was.”

But Nikki explained that she’s now back to full strength after hard work and gym sessions.

“Obviously I am gutted I didn’t get to do the eliminator, the most iconic part of the show!!

“I loved Gladiators as a kid growing up and to get on the show literally is a dream come true!.”

She praised the Gladiators in the show as super inspirational and amazing role models before finally thanking everyone.

“Thank you to everyone for your support and all the messages I have received. What a show!!” she said.

Nikki is not the only contestant to be injured.

Games have had to be paused a number of times for medics to rush to assist an injured contestant, with some being forced to withdraw.

Woman in neck brace with bruised lip.
Instagram
Nikki spent a month recovering[/caption]
Large bruise on a person's elbow.
Instagram
The celebrant said she ‘gutted’ she ‘didn’t get to do the eliminaton’[/caption]
Referee tying a gladiator's shoe.
BBC
Games have had to be paused a number of times for medics to rush to assist[/caption]

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I visited Dunnes Stores’ beautiful home section with prices from €6 – here’s my favourite pieces

A SHOPPER has told how she found the perfect homeware pieces at Dunnes Stores – with prices starting at only €6.

The supermarket recently dropped a whole new range of items ideal for your house.

Screenshot of Instagram post showing home goods and positive comments.
instagram
The new range has just landed in Dunnes Stores[/caption]
Screenshot of Instagram post showing two table lamps and comments praising a home goods section.
INSTAGRAM
The new collection has prices from €6[/caption]

The collection includes lamps, mugs, plates, and handy storage solutions.

And they’re a great way to revamp a space without breaking the bank.

Punters can do up their home on a budget by shopping the new collection.

Jo, @joandco.home on Instagram, has revealed a handy video showing off her favourite pieces.

She took to social media to alert Dunnes Stores fans to her favourite finds in store.

The decorator said: “I love a visit to Dunnes Stores.

“Their home section is beautiful and so reasonably priced!”

The video shows off the Helen James Considered Algarve Lamp which is priced at €60 and comes in a natural cream shade.

An official description of the item reads: “From Helen James, this lamp pairs a textured ceramic base with a natural jute shade, creating a harmonious blend of earthy tones and tactile contrasts.

“Its neutral tones and organic feel bring a warm, relaxed glow to any space. Brought to you by Irish designer Helen Steele.”

Also included in the video is a gorgeous set of ceramic blue dining pieces for the kitchen.

The Helen James Considered Evissa side plate costs €10 and comes in a bright turquoise colour.

According to the retailer: “Crafted from a beautifully designed stoneware in Portugal, this side plate from Considered is ideal for serving.

“A refined piece with a unique reactive-glazed finish, this is sure to add a striking touch to any dining experience.

“Dishwasher and microwave safe for added convenience.

“Items in this range are hand-glazed and some variation in colour and design may occur, thus adding to the unique beauty of each piece.

“Brought to you by Irish designer Helen James, exclusively for Dunnes Stores.”

The plate comes with matching full-sized plates as well as mugs and bowls.

The shopper also showed off the €10 knitted basket in the natural shade.

Dunnes Stores said: “This knitted storage basket brings a cosy feel to any living space, whether it is placed in a bedroom, living room, or bathroom.

“It is designed with a contrasting thicker rim for ease of carrying.”

Screenshot of an Instagram post showing home goods and positive comments.
instagram
The plates can be bought as part of a set[/caption]

THE HISTORY OF DUNNES STORES

DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit.

Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland’s first ‘shopping frenzy’.

During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne’s ‘Better Value’ bargains.

Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 – starting with apples and oranges.

The retailer said: “Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town.

“Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong.

“Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas.”

The retailer’s first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960.

They added: “In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed.

“Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England.”

Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.

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