Google is enhancing the Advanced Protection Program for its accounts and mobile devices with the upcoming Android 16 update, which was unveiled on Tuesday during The Android Show: I/O Edition. This latest version of the Android operating system will introduce a suite of new features aimed at bolstering device-level security for users of Advanced Protection.
Upgrade for Google’s Advanced Protection
The tech company released a statement outlining the enhancements to Advanced Protection, emphasizing its focus on providing robust security measures for vulnerable individuals, including journalists, elected officials, and notable public figures. The program is also designed for those who have a strong emphasis on security precautions.
To participate in the Advanced Protection Program, users are required to possess at least two physical FIDO-compatible security keys. Once they acquire these keys, they can register both their primary and backup keys on the enrollment page. Following successful registration, the sign-in process will necessitate the use of these keys along with a password.
The Advanced Protection Program includes a range of security features designed to enhance user safety. These include restrictions on app installations from sources outside the Google Play Store, theft detection and offline device locks, and spam protection measures integrated into Google Messages.
With Android 16, users will also benefit from a new Intrusion Logging feature. This tool allows users to securely back up device logs in a cloud environment, ensuring that the data is protected in a “privacy-preserving and tamper-resistant way,” with access limited exclusively to the user.
Additionally, a new USB security feature will convert any USB connection to a charging-only mode, thereby thwarting potential physical attacks on the device. Furthermore, devices enrolled in Advanced Protection will automatically disable reconnection to insecure Wi-Fi networks, reducing the risk of hacking attempts.
Users who opt to activate or maintain their Advanced Protection after the roll-out of Android 16 will receive immediate access to the core suite of security features, with the newly introduced functionalities slated to be added later this year. Google has yet to provide a detailed timeline for when these updates will be available.
