Android 16's 'Advanced Protection' features will make stolen phones useless

Once the phone upgrades to Android 16, users will be able to enable the 'Advanced Protection' feature. It will activate Intrusion Logging, Inactivity Reboot, USB protection, the option to disable auto-reconnect to insecure networks, and integration with Scam Detection for Phone

During The Android Show event, Google revealed that the upcoming Android 16 will be coming with robust security features against illegal attempts to unlock phones and reselling of stolen devices.

Once the phone upgrades to Android 16, users will be able to enable the 'Advanced Protection' feature. It will instantly activate Intrusion Logging, Inactivity Reboot, USB protection, the option to disable auto-reconnect to insecure networks, and integration with Scam Detection for Phone. The latter will be released a little later in the year.

The Intrusion Logging feature will protect the user's private information on the device. It will routinely check for illegal attempts to open the phone. If it suspects any such activity, it will perform an in-depth investigation and analysis of the device.

Also, the security logs (user ID and passwords) are securely stored in the cloud using end-to-end encryption. It will be fully under control of the phone owner. Even Google will not have access to it.

Google in the virtual broadcast also announced to bring improved Factory Reset Protection (FRP) feature.

It will come in handy to protect the contents of the stolen phone and also make it unsellable. After the theft, robbers usually try to factory reset such devices and can even bypass the security, to sell it, as a refurbished phone to gullible buyers.

Google Advanced Protection feature.

But, with improvements to FRP, it will fully lock the device and the user has to prove he/she is the true owner by typing the credentials even after the factory reset. Or else, the device will be useless and can be turned into a fancy paperweight.

Google is also bringing Inactivity Reboot. It will automatically restart the device if it is locked or inactive for more than 72 hours. This will ensure the user data is unreadable until the user opens the device using passcode or fingerprint/or FaceID security.

USB Protection feature prevents physical attacks. It comes in handy to safeguard phones when connected to unsecured public charging docks at railway stations, bus shelters and airports.

Also, if the phone senses wireless networks in public spaces such as airports or any such public places are not trustworthy, it will disable auto-reconnect to Wi-Fi towers in those particular places.

Some of aforementioned features will come with Anroid 16 update in June and others such as Intrusion Logging and USB Protection are coming later this year.

Get the latest news on new launches, gadget reviews, apps, cybersecurity, and more on personal technology only on DH Tech.