Latest news with #AdvancedProtection
Forbes
14 hours ago
- Forbes
Samsung's Next Android Upgrade—‘Better' Than Google's Pixel
Bigger and better — Samsung is coming for Pixel. NurPhoto via Getty Images There's a new twist to the Android versus iPhone narrative. The gap between the two has never been as narrow – at least where security is concerned. And Google's latest Android 16 upgrade brings a level of network security even iPhone can't match. But the real Android 16 game-changer is Google's new Advanced Protection Mode. Despite some reports, this is not the same as Apple's Lockdown Mode for iPhone. I would recommend Android's new setting for almost all users. Per SammyFans , 'Android 16's Advanced Protection is a big deal, probably the biggest security update Android has ever seen… Samsung isn't just going to copy-paste Google's security features. It's going to make them better with Galaxy-specific improvements." First to the basics — what exactly is Advanced Protection Mode. Put simply, it's a one click security update that enables all the existing protections you should be using and a few news ones that Google has included in its Android 16 release. Forbes Do Not Use These Networks On Your Smartphone, Warns Google By Zak Doffman It will protect your browsing and wireless connections, it will also stop you installing apps from dangerous sources. That means Play Store and other official sites only, which might seem restrictive and painful but is a necessary defense these days. As Android Authority says, 'from harmful apps to insecure connections, there are all kinds of risks you're exposed to. Thankfully, Android features a range of security settings to keep your device and data protected from these threats." Unlike Apple's Lockdown Mode, Google's setting won't make your phone difficult to use or remove everyday features you likely use. It will curtail risky behavior, as it should. Apple says Lockdown Mode is for a very small minority of users, where Google says Advanced Protection Mode is for any users who want additional phone security. As for the Galaxy One UI 8 features that are 'better' than Android's stock offering on Pixel, SammyFans highlights the new secure folder upgrade and Knox architecture. Secure Folder has triggered a bunch of warnings given some issues in how it was deployed, those have been addressed. It also offers a new 'kill switch' which means you can lock down your phone and hide sensnsive apps and data wirth just a tap. The Knox architecture is Samsung's answer to Apple's hugely successful trusted device architecture that builds a walled garden around a user's devices. Not only does it reinforce protection against external threats, it also makes Samsung stickier for users. Only its own devices can be protected, and the more you have the safer you are. Forbes Google's Unbeatable Pixel Upgrade Just Left iPhone Behind By Zak Doffman The bad news — as ever — for Galaxy users is that 'Google is rolling out Advanced Protection to Pixel phones first. Galaxy phones should get Android 16 and One UI 8 in the next few months.' It's worth the wait, which should be shorter than that for most. Per Phone Arena's interpretation of firmware builds on company servers, 'Samsung isn't focusing only on its flagship lineup when it comes to rolling out One UI 8.0. The company is already testing Android 16 firmware for the Galaxy A56, suggesting this mid-range phone may be among the first non-flagships to receive the update.' SammyFans says 'Android 16's security overhaul shows that mobile security is finally growing up. One UI 8 will probably show off how Samsung can take Google's security foundation and make it even better with its own innovations. This could set new standards for how secure smartphones should be.'
Android Authority
2 days ago
- Android Authority
If you're using Android 16, you should turn on this important security feature ASAP
Joe Maring / Android Authority It's been just about two weeks since Google launched Android 16, and for the most part, it's an update that came and went without too much fanfare. I've been playing around with Android 16 on my Pixel 9a since the update was released, but it wasn't until a few days ago that I finally enabled Advanced Protection — a new security feature tucked away in the Settings app. Advanced Protection enables a load of robust security features for your phone with the flick of a switch, including safeguards for your phone's web browsing, network connection, and more. Having now used Advanced Protection myself, I'm convinced that anyone with a phone running Android 16 needs to enable it. If you have Android 16, are you using Advanced Protection? 0 votes Yes NaN % No NaN % Why Advanced Protection is so good Joe Maring / Android Authority Right off the bat, Advanced Protection is designed to be incredibly easy to use. In fact, there's really not much for you to interact with outside of turning the feature on. Once Advanced Protection is enabled, numerous security measures for device hardware safety, apps, networks, web browsing, and phone calls are immediately activated. The full list of security measures, as explained in Android 16, is as follows: Theft Detection Lock : Locks automatically when motion indicates theft. : Locks automatically when motion indicates theft. Offline Device Lock : Locks automatically when your device is offline. : Locks automatically when your device is offline. Inactivity reboot : Restarts device if it remains locked for 3 days. : Restarts device if it remains locked for 3 days. Google Play Protect : Scans for unsafe apps and malware. : Scans for unsafe apps and malware. Unknown apps : Blocks installation of apps from unknown sources. : Blocks installation of apps from unknown sources. Memory tagging extension : Protects against memory corruption in supported apps. : Protects against memory corruption in supported apps. 2G network protection : Avoids 2G networks, which are less secure. : Avoids 2G networks, which are less secure. Android Safe Browsing : Live threat protection blocks harmful web pages. : Live threat protection blocks harmful web pages. Chrome browsing : Warns you before you visit non-HTTPS sites. : Warns you before you visit non-HTTPS sites. JavaScript protections : Turns off some advanced capabilities to reduce risk. : Turns off some advanced capabilities to reduce risk. Caller ID & spam : Identifies business and spam numbers. : Identifies business and spam numbers. Automatic Call Screen: Screens suspicious calls & declines spam. As you can probably tell from skimming that list, none of these things are actually new to Android. However, instead of having to configure everything here individually and manually, it's all set up for you the second you turn on Advanced Protection. Some features, like Google Play Protect and Automatic Call Screen, I already had enabled on my Pixel 9a. However, I was slightly apprehensive that some of the more advanced settings, particularly those related to web browsing, would be noticeable (and annoying) in daily use. As it turns out, I haven't noticed them at all. In fact, after about a week with Advanced Protection enabled, I don't notice any difference with my Pixel 9a compared to when the feature was turned off. That means there's not too much to say about what it's like using an Android phone with Advanced Protection, because it ultimately doesn't feel any different from an Android phone without it. For a feature like this, that's just about the highest praise I can give Advanced Protection. All of my apps work the same, my web browsing is no different, and my mobile data hasn't gotten worse either. Quite literally, everything about my phone is the same today as before I enabled Advanced Protection. Given all of that, I don't see any reason not to use the feature. Even if you aren't a security or privacy nut, it takes all of two seconds to activate Advanced Protection to better safeguard your phone without any impact on how you use it day-to-day. How to turn on Advanced Protection in Android 16 Joe Maring / Android Authority If I've convinced you to enable Advanced Protection on your Android 16 device, the good news is that finding and turning on the feature is dead simple. To do so, simply do the following: Open the Settings app on your Android 16 device. on your Android 16 device. Tap Security & privacy . . Scroll down the page and tap Advanced Protection . . Tap the toggle next to Device protection . . Tap Turn on on the pop-up that appears. on the pop-up that appears. Tap Restart to restart your device to fully activate Advanced Protection. And that's it! Once you restart your phone (either immediately or later on), Advanced Protection is up and running in the background and using all of the tools mentioned above to keep your phone safer. Advanced Protection isn't a particularly exciting feature. It doesn't give you anything new to play with and doesn't make your phone look or feel any different. But it's such a quick and easy way to enable essential safety features that anyone can benefit from, and as such, I think it's a must-have for anyone with Android 16.
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Millions must activate ‘strongest phone setting' that saves you from snatching thieves, Wi-Fi spies & bank-emptying app
MILLIONS of phone users are advised to install the 'strongest setting' to thwart snatching thieves, Wi-Fi spies and a bank-emptying app. Whether for work or home, smartphones play an important role in many people's lives. 2 2 Many contain sensitive information such as social media logins, banking details or personal photos. What is Advanced Protection Through an Android 16 update, Google is offering Advanced Protection - dubbed "the strongest layer of security" . For Google Pixel phones and other compatible Android devices, it is designed to protect not only your devices, but also your Google Account. Advanced Protection's features include device theft protection, which locks the phone automatically during a potential theft. It also offers app protection, which not only scans Google Play for unsafe apps and malware, but also blocks installing apps from unknown sources. There is also network protection, in which the phone will avoid unsecure 2G networks. This is in order to stop users connecting to a vulnerable network. Furthermore, web protection blocks harmful webpages, with users receiving warnings before they visit any non-HTTPS sites on Chrome. Dangerous apps It comes as two dangerous apps have been banned for stealing the private photos of those who install it - allowing hackers to blackmail victims. Although the platforms have since been removed from Google Play and Apple App Store, cybersecurity researchers warned that TikTok clone apps may also be enacting the same attack. Urgent warning to delete 2 dangerous apps that STEAL all photos & blackmail you The platforms used to spread the malware are currency app 币coin on the Apple App Store and instant messenger SOEX on Google Play. SOEX, which also has some cryptocurrency exchange features, has been downloaded over 10,000 times via Android's official app store, according to Bleeping Computer. It's unclear how many people have installed 币coin. What do these apps do Once downloaded, the 币coin iOS app immediately requests access to the photo gallery, while SOEX on Android requests the storage permissions to access images. It is important to always check what you are agreeing to when apps request permission to access the data on your device. If users grant the iOS app permission, the malware silently monitors the gallery for changes and steals any new images. On Android, the malware snatches images straight from the photo gallery, along with device identifiers and metadata, and hands them straight to hackers. Some versions of the malware, titled SparkKitty, only hunt for screenshots and images containing text - suggesting they are on the prowl for passwords and security codes. If you have downloaded one of the infected apps, then it's important to delete it immediately. How to spot a dodgy app Detecting a malicious app before you hit the 'Download' button is easy when you know the signs. Follow this eight-point checklist when you're downloading an app you're unsure about: Check the reviews - be wary of both complaints and uniformly positive reviews by fake accounts. Look out for grammar mistakes - legitimate app developers won't have typos or errors in their app descriptions. Check the number of downloads - avoid apps with only several thousand downloads, as it could be fake. Research the developer - do they have a good reputation? Or, are totally fake? Check the release date - a recent release date paired with a high number of downloads is usually bad news. Review the permission agreement - this agreement gives permission for the app to take bits of your data, and fake apps often ask for additional data that is not necessary. Check the update frequency - an app that is updated too frequently is usually indicative of security vulnerabilities. Check the icon - look closely, and don't be deceived by distorted, lower-quality versions the icons from legitimate apps. All of this information will available in both Apple's App Store and the Google Play Store.
Forbes
13-06-2025
- Forbes
Google's Android Warning—Do Not Install Any Of These Apps
These apps are dangerous — period. Google released Android 16 for supported Pixel phones this week, putting pressure on Samsung to rush out One UI 8 to avoid any repeat of One UI 7's frustrations. While the upgrade brings many new features, one stands out — but it comes with a warning. Advanced Protection Mode, Google says, protects you from 'online attacks, harmful apps, unsafe websites, scam calls and more.' Apple's similar Lockdown Mode is just for 'the very few individuals who, because of who they are or what they do, might be personally targeted by some of the most sophisticated digital threats.' Apple says 'most people will never be targeted by attacks of this nature.' But Google's Advanced Protection Mode is different. 'Whether you're an at-risk individual or you just prioritize security,' this 'activates its strongest security for mobile devices, providing greater peace of mind that you're protected against the most sophisticated threats.' I highly recommend all users enable Advanced Protection after upgrading to Android 16. It enables almost all Android's existing safeguards and prevents them from being disabled. These include theft protection, safe browsing, new scam defenses and auto-blocking unsafe networks and cables. Plus Play Protect, of course. Advanced Protection Mode Play Protect is Google's expansive Play Store monitoring and defense tool for known threats installed onto phones via apps, whether or not they come from Play Store. And this is where Advanced Protection Mode takes security to a new level for Android, with that new warning for users enabling the setting. Advanced Protection Mode. Advanced Protection Mode blocks sideloading — period. It cannot be disabled. 'Only downloads from pre-loaded app stores will be allowed,' Google says. That doesn't just mean Play Store, of course, Samsung's store will also be allowed for example. Take Google's 'harmful app' warning seriously and stop any sideloading. This is long overdue for the vast majority of Android users, who are tempted or lured into direct installs or links to third-party stores, installing dangerous, un-filtered apps onto their phones. Once Google flags a risk, it is added to Play Protect but in that interim period, vast numbers of Android users are put at risk. You should enable Advanced Protection Mode, but even ahead of upgrading to Android 16 you should stop downloading any apps from outside official stores. It's not worth the risk. Google has been heightening its sideloading warnings over the last year. This is a natural culmination of all those warnings and cyber reports flagging malicious apps. This is a controversial step — sideloading is one of the key differentiators to iPhone, and a favored flexibility tool for diehard Android fans. But for all everyday users, it's too easy an attack vector for bad actors. This latest upgrade is very welcome.
Digital Trends
13-06-2025
- Digital Trends
Android 16 put a digital bodyguard on my phone and you must enable it
Over the past couple of years, Android's focus on user safety and device security has been pretty evident. The company has leveraged AI to build features that listen to calls and read messages in real-time and alert users if they are at risk of getting scammed. Similar guardrails have also been put in place for web browsing in Chrome, and a whole bunch of lost device portion protocols have been baked into the OS' core. A few of them have remained exclusive to Google's Pixel phones (and some Samsung devices) so far, but with the release of Android 16, these benefits are now being extended to the entire platform. Recommended Videos Two of those standout features that are now standard fare for Android devices moving ahead are Advanced Protection and Identity Check. These two essentially serve as digital bodyguards when the phone's in your hands, and even in scenarios it's beyond your reach. Identity Check The idea behind Identity Check is not too different from theft protection. Think of it like carrying a briefcase that contains sensitive paperwork, and it can only be opened using keys that are in the hands of higher-ranked officials in a lab, and those keys can never leave the lab, either. In the case of Android 16, trusted locations act as that security key to access sensitive features on your Android phone. When you enable it, access to the following data and settings is automatically locked behind an identity verification: Password autofill, Passwords and passkeys, changing screen lock method and details, factory reset, Find Hub deactivations, disabling theft protections, turning off identity check, changing and viewing trusted locations, setting up a new device using a stolen phone, and access to developer options. Those are all changes that pose a tangible risk to the security of your data. In other words, if someone steals away with your phone, or you are worried that a bad actor is peeking at your screen for the passcode or service passwords, locking it behind a biometric verification in untrusted places will keep the data on your device safe. And with it, everything else associated with your Google account. The threat is real. In 2023, The Wall Street Journal reported how thieves, using the knowledge of an iPhone's passcode, are locking users out of their own phone and causing all kinds of trouble, including serious financial damage. In a nutshell, when you enable it, all your sensitive data and settings will require an extra layer of identity verification. I will strongly suggest that when you activate it, try to enable biometric lock (fingerprint or face scan) so that even if it can't be replicated by a thief, even if they have stolen your device, or someone is just trying to mess with your unattended phone. Also, the trusted location is stored on your phone and not shared with Google. Additionally, you can (and should) enable it for all your Android devices separately. Advanced Protection Think of this as some sort of magic pill that offers end-to-end protection for your Android 16-powered phone. Whether you are browsing the web, installing apps, or there are risks from malware packages and leaky networks, enabling Advanced Protection will cover it all. In fact, once you enable it, all the native features that are designed to protect you from attacks can't be disabled without your explicit approval. As soon as you enable it, your phone gets hardware as well as software-level protection across apps, web browsing, messaging, and calling. The core idea is that you no longer have to dig into the Settings pages or a web dashboard to enable safety features for each scenario. There is also a dedicated system to protect your Google account. To enable it, go to the settings app, open the 'Security & privacy' dashboard, and scroll down to find the Advanced Protection option. So, how does it work? Let's start at the device level. As soon as you enable it, it activates theft detection lock, offline device lock, inactivity reboot, and USB protection. What does that mean? To start, it blocks the USB port so that it only allows charging, and no data transfer or exfiltration. Android 16 relies on an AI-powered system that can sense if a device has been snatched using motion cues. For such scenarios, the phone automatically locks itself. If the device is kept offline by the thief or they try to repeatedly unlock the screen by guessing the passcode, the device lock defaults to your biometrics, which can't be spoofed. If you realize that your phone has been stolen, using the verified phone number and security question on a web dashboard, you can remotely lock the phone's screen. Finally, if your device stays unlocked for 72 hours, it reboots itself, which makes all the stored data unreadable until a fresh unlock. Next, Advanced Protection automatically enabled safe browsing protocols in Chrome. When you visit a site that is risky, the browser will show you warnings about malware, abusive sites and extensions, phishing risks, malicious page elements, and intrusive ads. Moreover, if you intend to download a file package, you will see a warning about that, as well. The Enhanced Safe Browsing mode can identify scam URLs that try to pass off as a legitimate service. All this happens because a sample of the webpage you are visiting is sent to Google for threat analysis, and it is accordingly flagged. Sniffing scams everywhere In the pre-installed Messages app, Google's AI will look for patterns in text messages to sense scams. Once something fishy is detected, users will be warned and given an option to instantly block and report it. The AI will look for package delivery and job scams, among others, and will also warn them about risky links, especially from unknown contacts and international numbers. A similar system is in place for calls, where the AI will screen and decline spam calls. Additionally, an AI will listen to the conversations, and when users are at risk of a social engineering attack or any such scam, they will see on-screen, audio, and haptic warning messages. For example, if a bad actor tells users to share an OTP, enable screen sharing, or install an app, an alert will be issued mid-way through the call. Finally, to thwart risks from bad apps, Advanced Protection in Android 16 will enable the full Google Play Protect security suite. Aside from regularly scanning apps for malware, it also blocks the installation of apps from untrusted sources and enables an MTE feature that prevents an app from corrupting the local memory. Overall, if you ever wished for a one-ring-to-rule-them-all safety solution for your phone, Android 16 finally brings it to your table. And once you install the update, make sure that you activate Advanced Protection and Identity Check without any delay.
