Google is introducing a number of anti-theft and knowledge safety options later this 12 months, some out there just for Android 15+ units, whereas others will roll out to billions of units operating Android 10 and later.
To guard your private and delicate knowledge in case your system is stolen or misplaced, a brand new AI-powered automated display screen lock named Theft Detection Lock will lock the display screen if it detects abrupt motions related to theft makes an attempt, like thieves snatching your system out of your hand.
To additional be certain that thieves cannot entry your delicate knowledge and apps, one other new characteristic referred to as Offline System Lock will robotically lock the system shortly after a thief disconnects it from the community or if it detects too many failed authentication makes an attempt.
Google additionally introduced a Distant Lock characteristic to assist these whose Android units have been stolen lock their smartphones or tablets remotely utilizing solely their telephone quantity and a safety problem. To make use of the characteristic, you’ll have to go to android.com/lock.
“This buys you time to recover your account details and access additional helpful options in Find My Device, including sending a full factory reset command to completely wipe the device,” mentioned Google Vice President Suzanne Frey.
Theft Detection Lock, Offline System Lock, and Distant Lock will probably be out there on units operating Android 10 or later via a Google Play companies replace that may roll out later this 12 months.
As introduced at Google I/O 2024, the brand new Android 15 launch will even improve manufacturing unit reset safety to make stolen units very troublesome or inconceivable to promote by requiring your Google account credentials throughout the setup course of.
“With this upgrade, if a thief forces a reset of the stolen device, they’re not able to set it up again without knowing your device or Google account credentials. This renders a stolen device unsellable, reducing incentives for phone theft,” Frey added.
Android will even require your PIN, password, or biometric authentication when attempting to entry or change crucial Google account and system settings from an untrusted location, akin to altering your PIN, accessing Passkeys, or disabling theft safety.
Equally, disabling Discover My System or extending the system display screen timeout will even require getting into your PIN or password or utilizing some type of biometric authentication.
This provides yet another layer of safety designed to forestall criminals who steal your system from protecting it “unlocked or untrackable online.”
The brand new Android model will even embody so-called “private spaces” that may be locked utilizing a PIN of your alternative to forestall thieves from accessing delicate knowledge saved in your apps, akin to well being or monetary info.
Manufacturing unit reset safety updates and personal area will probably be launched when Android 15 launches this fall, whereas enhanced authentication protections will probably be out there on choose units later this 12 months.
At Google I/O 2024, the corporate additionally introduced new Android 15 and Google Play options to guard in opposition to scams, fraud, spy ware, and banking malware.
