Google has officially launched Android 15, introducing a range of advanced security measures designed to bolster protection for devices and safeguard sensitive applications.
Starting on Tuesday, Pixel devices began receiving Android 15, which comes packed with significant security upgrades. Key features include theft protection, enhanced application privacy, and tools to secure user data more effectively.
One of the standout features of Android 15 is the introduction of the Theft Detection Lock, which leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to protect both the device and its data.
“The Theft Detection Lock uses on-device AI to analyze various signals from the phone. If it detects suspicious activity or an attempted theft, the device automatically locks, preventing unauthorized access,” Google stated.
In addition to this, the new Theft Detection Lock works in conjunction with another feature known as Offline Device Lock. This tool triggers a lock on the device if it has been disconnected from networks for an extended period. For lost or stolen devices, users can utilize Remote Lock via a verified phone number to secure their device remotely.
“With Remote Lock, users can visit Android.com/lock from any device to secure their phone. By entering a verified phone number, the device locks itself, protecting your data until you can recover it using Android’s Find My Device tool. For best security practices, we recommend regular backups to ensure that wiping your device remotely won’t result in any data loss,” Google explained.
To further deter unauthorized access, Android 15 introduces additional security measures. These include authentication requirements for changing key settings, automatic locking after multiple failed login attempts, and new safeguards to prevent factory resets without Google account verification.
An upcoming feature, Identity Check, will further enhance security. This opt-in tool will require biometric authentication for access to critical settings, even if a user’s PIN has been compromised, ensuring unauthorized access is nearly impossible.
Android 15 also introduces a private space for sensitive apps like social media, dating, and banking applications. Once locked, these apps become invisible, disappearing from app lists, recent views, and notifications, providing an extra layer of privacy.
“Users must pass an additional authentication step to access private space, keeping the apps secure from prying eyes. For even more privacy, you can hide the existence of private space entirely from the phone’s view,” Google detailed.
In addition to these features, Google is improving login processes for apps by enabling users to log in quickly via passkey-based authentication. This seamless access adds convenience without sacrificing security.
Other enhancements in Android 15 include better protection against scams and fraud, the ability to hide one-time passwords from notifications, and stricter permission requirements for sideloading apps. The system also tightens screen-sharing controls and sends alerts to users if their location is being tracked by malicious tools or cellular base stations.
Alongside the launch of Android 15, Google has also rolled out security patches to address 29 vulnerabilities in Pixel devices. These fixes are part of the 2024-10-05 patch level and address issues outlined in the October 2024 Android security bulletin.