​Google is introducing a number of anti-theft and information safety options later this 12 months, some accessible 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 information 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 sure that thieves cannot entry your delicate information and apps, one other new function often known as Offline Gadget Lock will routinely 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 function to assist these whose Android units had been stolen lock their smartphones or tablets remotely utilizing solely their cellphone quantity and a safety problem. To make use of the function, you’ll have to go to android.com/lock.
“This buys you time to get well your account particulars and entry further useful choices in Discover My Gadget, together with sending a full manufacturing facility reset command to fully wipe the system,” stated Google Vice President Suzanne Frey.
Theft Detection Lock, Offline Gadget Lock, and Distant Lock shall be accessible on units operating Android 10 or later via a Google Play providers 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 facility reset safety to make stolen units very troublesome or unattainable to promote by requiring your Google account credentials in the course of the setup course of.
“With this improve, if a thief forces a reset of the stolen system, they are not capable of set it up once more with out understanding your system or Google account credentials. This renders a stolen system unsellable, lowering incentives for cellphone theft,” Frey added.
Android will even require your PIN, password, or biometric authentication when making an attempt to entry or change important Google account and system settings from an untrusted location, reminiscent of altering your PIN, accessing Passkeys, or disabling theft safety.
Equally, disabling Discover My Gadget 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 another layer of safety designed to forestall criminals who steal your system from holding it “unlocked or untrackable on-line.”
The brand new Android model will even embody so-called “personal areas” that may be locked utilizing a PIN of your selection to forestall thieves from accessing delicate information saved in your apps, reminiscent of well being or monetary data.
Manufacturing unit reset safety updates and personal area shall be launched when Android 15 launches this fall, whereas enhanced authentication protections shall be accessible 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.