Google launches AI stealing and data protection features for Android devices

ReportMay 15, 2024Editorial DepartmentPrivacy/Data Protection

Google has announced a slew of privacy and security features in Android, including a suite of advanced protection features to help protect users’ devices and data in the event of theft.

The features are designed to help protect data before, during and after theft attempts, the tech giant said, adding that they are expected to be available through a Google Play services update for devices running Android 10 and above.

One new feature is Private Spaces, which allows users to host sensitive apps in a dedicated area of ​​the phone so they can be hidden and locked with a separate PIN.

谷歌還增加了一層額外的保護，要求用戶在更改敏感設備設定（例如停用「尋找我的裝置」或延長螢幕逾時），甚至在存取關鍵帳戶和裝置設定之前輸入PIN、密碼或生物識別information.

This includes attempts to change the device PIN, turn off anti-theft protection, or access keys. Another notable addition is a factory reset upgrade that effectively renders a stolen device useless.

“With this update, if a thief forcefully resets a stolen device, they won’t be able to do it without knowing your device or Google account credentials,” said Suzanne Frey, Google’s vice president of products for trust and growth. “This makes the stolen device unsaleable, reducing the incentive for phone theft. “

The tech giant further said that it is integrating an artificial intelligence feature that can proactively protect users by identifying suspicious signals (i.e. sudden movements) and automatically locking the device screen if it detects that the phone has been snatched from someone’s hands. material.

In addition to the theft detection lock, Android 10+ devices also offer an offline device lock setting that locks the device screen if a malicious actor attempts to disconnect from the phone for an extended period of time.

Other improvements include the ability to mark a device as lost for easier tracking via Find My Device, and even the ability to remotely lock your phone screen with a phone number and security challenge using any device.

“This buys you time to recover your account details and access other helpful options in Find My Device, including sending a full factory reset command to completely wipe the device,” Frey said.