Google bolsters android security with advanced anti-theft features

By Chinenye Anuforo

Google has unveiled new advanced protection features to protect Android users in Africa from theft. The new Theft Detection Lock analyses various device signals to detect potential theft attempts. In these instances, the feature will lock the device screen to prevent thieves from accessing the owners’ sensitive data.

In addition to the Theft Detection Lock feature, Google also introduced the Offline Device Lock to protect users if the thief tries to take their devices offline to extract data or avoid a remote wipe via Android’s Find My Device.

If an unlocked device goes offline for prolonged periods, this feature locks the screen to ensure that the phone can’t be used.

Similarly, the tech giant introduced the Remote Lock feature to help users quickly secure their devices if lost or stolen. This feature will lock the device while the owner tries to regain access through Android’s Find My Device, which lets smartphone users secure, locate or remotely wipe their device.

With it, even if they can’t remember their Google account credentials in the moment of theft, they can use any device to visit Android.com/lock to lock their devices with just a verified phone number.

According to Google, these features are being rolled out gradually to ensure compatibility with various devices,  with Android devices that cover 90% of active users worldwide. They are available on most Android 10+ devices via a Google Play Services update. However, users must enable them in settings.

Google has also announced that the latest Android 15 update has other security features to deter theft before it happens by making it harder for thieves to access sensitive settings, and apps, or reset devices for resale.

These include: Changes to sensitive settings like Find My Device now require your PIN, password, or biometric authentication.

Multiple failed login attempts, which could be a sign that a thief is trying to guess your password, will lock down your device, preventing unauthorized access.

Enhanced factory reset protection makes it even harder for thieves to reset your device without your Google account credentials, significantly reducing its resale value and protecting your data.

Google plans to introduce an optional Identity Check feature, adding another layer of security. This feature requires biometric authentication when accessing critical Google account and device settings from untrusted locations, preventing unauthorized access even if the device PIN is compromised.