Alongside the rollout of Android 15 Beta 2, Google is introducing new features to enhance security on Android devices. To ensure your data remains secure and doesn’t fall into the wrong hands, Google is adding theft protection and other safety measures to Android. Here’s everything you need to know about these updates.
Security and Theft Protection
In a recent blog post, Google detailed a new theft protection feature for Android that requires your device or Google account credentials to erase all data from your phone. Additionally, the device will need a PIN, password, or biometric authentication to disable Find My Device or change the screen timeout timer.
In situations where a thief might know your PIN, pattern, or password, Android will now require biometric authentication to change critical settings, such as altering the lock screen password or disabling theft protection.
Theft and Offline Detection Lock
Android will also be able to detect when your phone has been stolen using sensors and on-device models, automatically locking the device. Additionally, attempting to turn off Wi-Fi or mobile data will trigger the Offline Detection Lock, preventing unauthorized access to your data. These features will be available for Android 10+ devices later this year.
Access Find My Device with Phone Number
Accessing your device through Find My Device will also become easier. Many users struggle to remember their Google account credentials for actions like remote locking or wiping the device. Now, you can simply enter your phone number and complete a quick security challenge to access these options. These features are also expected to roll out later this year.
Live Threat Detection for App
Google Play Protect is introducing live threat detection, which will monitor app behavior patterns, particularly in the use of sensitive permissions and interactions with other apps. If Play Protect identifies suspicious behavior, it will send the app to Google for further review. A warning notification will then be sent to your phone, advising you to disable the app if malicious behavior is confirmed.
Using Android Private Compute Core, live threat detection is implemented in a privacy-preserving manner. This feature will be available on Pixel, Oppo, Honor, OnePlus, Nothing, Sharp, and other smartphones later this year.
Hidden Content in Screen Sharing
To combat scammers, Android will hide message notifications containing one-time passwords (OTPs), usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive details while you are screen sharing. Additionally, Android will introduce a more prominent screen indicator with a single tap to disable it later this year.
Cellular Network Protection
Android is also introducing cellular protection, which will alert users when their network is unencrypted, potentially exposing their SMS and voice calls to radio interception. This feature requires compatible hardware, and Android is working closely with manufacturers to bring it to devices in the coming years.
These new security features in Android 15 significantly enhance device security, making it more difficult for thieves to misuse stolen Android devices. It’s reassuring to know that these improvements will also be available on older devices, even if they don’t receive the latest Android 15 update. What do you think about these security enhancements? Let us know in the comments.
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