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Google Strengthens Android Security to Prevent Phone Theft | Newztalkies.com

Pradeep KumarOctober 8, 2024

Google has begun a global rollout of three new security features aimed at curbing phone theft and preventing stolen devices from being misused. Initially announced at Google’s I/O developer conference in May and trialed in Brazil, these features are now appearing on Android phones worldwide, as observed by users on social media.

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Key Features Designed to Protect Android Users

The new Android security updates focus on preventing thieves from accessing or reselling stolen devices, making it harder for criminals to benefit from phone theft. According to live Newztalkies.com, the features are designed to enhance user protection by employing Google AI and other security protocols.

1. Theft Detection Lock

If a phone is snatched and moved at high speeds—such as on a bike or in a car—the Theft Detection Lock will use the device’s accelerometer and Google AI to detect the sudden motion. The phone will automatically lock and require a password or biometric verification to unlock.

2. Offline Device Lock

For devices that remain offline for extended periods, Google’s new Offline Device Lock ensures that the phone locks itself even if it’s out of signal range. This feature adds an additional layer of protection for stolen phones that are taken offline to prevent tracking.

3. Remote Lock

In cases where the device has been stolen, users can now lock their phones remotely by using their phone number rather than having to remember their login credentials. Google recognized that victims of theft are often too stressed to recall their login details, so this simplified method is more effective.

Further Security Enhancements Expected with Android 15

According to live Newztalkies.com, additional security tools are expected with the release of Android 15 later this month. One significant change will be the tightening of the factory reset feature. Thieves often use factory reset to wipe stolen devices, but this will soon require login credentials, making it harder for stolen phones to be resold.

To bolster protection further, biometric proof will be required for resetting the PIN or changing other critical settings. Google also plans to make disabling the “Find My Device” feature more difficult, further safeguarding phones from being lost permanently.

Combatting Phone Theft and Financial Exploitation

While phone theft remains a widespread crime, the real value for thieves lies in accessing financial apps such as crypto wallets, banking apps, and money transfer services. Google’s new security measures aim to prevent criminals from exploiting unlocked phones to gain access to these lucrative accounts.

With these features, live Newztalkies.com believes Android users can expect better protection against phone theft, ensuring their personal data and finances remain safe.