Hacker Geohot Releases New Hack Tool For Android Devices

Glen Rock native, George Hotz, alias Geohot, a world renowned hacker has now released a new hacking tool for smartphones running Android 4.4.2 KitKat and earlier versions thanks to which users will be able to run more apps, customise their phones to a greater extent, and also possibly speed up the device like never before. The new tool called Towelroot is based on a Linux kernel vulnerability and can root most Android smartphones running an unpatched version of the Linux kernel.

According to the Geek, "The Towelroot tool developed by Geohot (George Hotz) differs from all the standard root methods in that it uses an exploit to root phones. Simply install the APK from Geohot's site and run it." The tool basically bypasses the Android-powered device's system protection to gain root access. The new tool can unlock devices such as the unrooted Galaxy S5 on AT&T and Verizon, the Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy S4, and Galaxy S4 Active all running on the same carriers, claims Geohot.

Recently, Geohot had walked away with a $150,000 bounty prize after he successfully hacked into Google Chrome. According to the International Business Times, Hotz was rewarded by global search engine giant Google for exploiting Chrome at the recently concluded Pwnium 4 security competition. Geohot identified several bugs, including some in default Chrome apps and in the event of Chrome combining with Flash. “We're delighted at the success of Pwnium and the ability to study full exploits. We anticipate landing additional changes and hardening measures for these vulnerabilities in the near future.” Google posted on its Chrome blog.