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New Pixnapping Attack: If you use Android smartphone then this news is very important for you. A new research to cyber security has revealed that hackers can now steal all your private data, sensitive information like two-factor authentication code (2FA), email, location history from your mobile in less than a minute. This hack has been named ‘Pixnapping’ and it can easily target even high-end devices like Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy S25. Researchers say that this dangerous technology is not limited to only Google and Samsung but other Android devices can also fall prey to it.

What is ‘Pixnapping’ and how does it work?

Pixnapping is a type of screen-snatching attack in which a malware-laden app is installed on the target device. This app contacts the app from which data is to be stolen through Android API. When the app is triggered through the API, it starts displaying information on the user interface. This data is then rendered on the screen through Android’s Rendering Pipeline. From here, hackers capture the pixels of this data and convert them into letters, numbers and shapes through graphical processing. In this process, the user does not even have a clue and all the personal data silently reaches the hackers.

Which devices are at risk?

The research has been done by experts from three big universities of America – University of California, Washington University and Carnegie Mellon University. He told that Pixnapping has also worked successfully on flagship phones like Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy S25. It was also told in the research that this attack is possible on any Android device, irrespective of the brand.

What can be stolen?

• 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) Code

• Email and text messages

• Data visible when the app is opened

• User’s location timeline

• Personal information visible on other screens

• Only that data will be safe which is not visible on the screen.

Google took steps

Google released a security patch in September after warning about Pixnapping attacks. Along with this, an additional patch is also coming in December. However, researchers say that modified versions of this attack can still bypass security.

What should users do?

• Avoid downloading any unknown app

• Check the app’s permissions before installing it

• Keep updating the phone from time to time

• Download the app only from the official source

• Strengthen security settings

Pixnapping attack shows that cyber crimes are constantly evolving with technological advancement. In such a situation, Android users need to be more alert and aware, so that their personal data remains safe.