Android to be getting its own version of Apple’s “Stolen Device Protection” feature

September 15, 2024

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Android to be getting its own version of Apple’s “Stolen Device Protection” feature

Android is reportedly stepping up its security game with a function that might considerably cut back the chance of knowledge theft in case your cellphone falls into the improper fingers. Dubbed “Identification Examine,” this new addition goals to shut a possible safety hole that presently exists even with biometric authentication in place.The issue presently lies within the fallback mechanism many Android apps use. Even when they primarily depend on fingerprint or facial recognition, they usually enable customers to enter their lock display screen PIN or sample instead. Which means if somebody steals your cellphone and occurs to know your lock display screen code, they might probably bypass the biometric safety and entry delicate knowledge inside these apps.Nevertheless, the upcoming “Identification Examine” is designed to forestall this state of affairs. It really works by intelligently disabling the PIN/password/sample fallback choice when your cellphone is outdoors of designated “trusted areas,” probably your private home or office. This forces apps to rely solely on biometrics for authentication, making it a lot more durable for thieves to realize entry.

Screenshot of Android trusted places settings

Google Play Companies’ obligatory biometric setting inside trusted locations | Picture credit score — Android Authority

Google seems to be leveraging its present “Trusted Locations” function to realize this. The Google Play Companies app will probably observe your cellphone’s location and talk with the working system to set off obligatory biometrics whenever you’re away from a trusted zone.

This method mirrors Apple’s “Stolen Gadget Safety” function, which additionally requires biometric authentication for sure actions when an iPhone is away from a well-recognized location. It is a good transfer by Google, bringing Android’s safety capabilities nearer to its competitor and providing customers enhanced peace of thoughts.

It is essential to notice that Identification Examine will not be a foolproof resolution. Decided thieves may nonetheless discover methods to bypass biometric safety or entry knowledge by means of different vulnerabilities. Nevertheless, it provides a major hurdle for opportunistic thieves who may in any other case simply exploit the lock display screen PIN fallback.

Whereas we do not have a precise timeline for Identification Examine’s rollout, it is anticipated to be a part of a future Android replace, probably requiring Android 15 QPR1 or later as a consequence of underlying system adjustments. I can see this function being very useful and a welcome addition for Android customers who’re safety aware.