Bug on Samsung Galaxy S III can wipe all data

BANGALORE, INDIA: Popular Samsung smartphones have been found to be susceptible to a remote data-wipe hack, which will allow malicious websites to wipe out the entire phones, according to an NDTV report.

The hack, which was demonstrated at the Ekoparty security conference recently, can be triggered using a USSD code sent via NFC, QR code, a website.

Some other smartphones, which are apparently susceptible to this bug are Galaxy Beam, Galaxy S Advance, Galaxy Ace and Galaxy S II, which are widely popular among consumers.

When one clicks on these suspicious links, the smartphone automatically dials a special reset number, which wipes the phone before its owner can do anything about it, says a report on Financial Review.

Samsung is yet to comment on the issue. Since the wipe out cannot be stopped by pressing the back button or by removing the battery, consumers have been advised to be careful while clicking  suspicious links.