Google Beefs up Android Security with Theft Protection, Live Threat Detection, and More

May. 16, 2024

Besides the rollout ofAndroid 15 Beta 2, Google is offering new features to ramp up security on Android devices. To make sure that your data stays intact and doesn’t fall into the wrong hands, Google is adding theft protection and other safety measures on Android. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

Security and Theft Protection

In its recentblog post, Google has explained a new theft protection feature on Android that requires your device or Google account credentials to erase all data from your phone. The device will also need a PIN/password orbiometric authentication to disable Find My Deviceor change the screen timeout timer.

In situations where the thief might probably know your PIN, pattern, or password, Android will now require biometric authentication. This will be required when trying to change critical Android settings. Like changing the lock screen password, and disabling theft protection.

Android will alsobe able todetect when your phone has been stolenfrom your hands using sensors and on-device models, and lock the device. On the other hand, attempting to turn off Wi-Fi or mobile data will result in the Offline Detection Lock. This will help to keep outsiders from accessing your data. These two featureswill be available for Android 10+ deviceslater this year.

Accessing your device through Find My Device will also become easier. Since many users can’t recall their Google account credentials required for actions like remote locking or wiping the device. Now you canjust enter your phone number and a quick security challengeto access these options. These features are also coming out later this year.

Google Play Protect is adding live threat detection. This willcheck app behavioral patterns related to the use of users’ sensitive permissionsand how they interact with other apps. If Play Protect marks the behavior as suspicious, then it will send the app to Google for further review. A warning notification alert will be sent to your phone, alerting you to disable the app if malicious behavior is confirmed.

It uses Android Private Compute Core to pull it off in a privacy-preserving manner. Live threat detection is coming to Pixel, Oppo, Honor, OnePlus, Nothing, Sharp, and other smartphone manufacturers later this year.

In an attempt to fight scammers, Android willhide message notifications containing one-time passwords or OTPs, usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and other details when you are screen sharing. Android is getting a “more prominent screen indicator” with a single tap to disable it later this year.

We will also get to see cellular protection in Android. This willalert the user when their network is unencrypted,potentially exposing their SMS and voice calls to radio interception. However, this feature requires compatible hardware to work. Android is working closely with manufacturers to bring these features over the coming years.

These new security additions in Android 15 will make it more secure for sure. It will also give thieves a tough time if they decide to steal an Android device. I am quite happy that these new improvements and features will be making their way to older devices as well. As they might not receive the latest Android 15 that will be available in the coming months. What are your thoughts about these security features? Let us know in the comments.

As a tech journalist, I dive into the ever-evolving tech landscape with a particular interest for smartphones, apps, and gaming. With a passion for sharing insights, my articles blend expertise with a friendly touch—think of me as your friendly neighborhood tech support.