Google Introduces Advanced Features to Fight Android Phone Theft

Google Advanced Features: Google has launched a suite of powerful security updates aimed at protecting Android users from phone theft and data breaches.

The move comes in response to alarming theft rates across several regions, including South Africa, where 19 percent of mobile phone users reported losing their devices in the past year, according to the GSMA Consumer Survey 2023. 

Google Advanced Features Against Android Theft 

This trend is similarly concerning in other African countries, with theft rates reaching 61 percent in Kenya and 31 percent in Uganda, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security measures.

Google has integrated advanced technologies such as AI and biometric authentication into its new security features to combat theft threats. 

The updates are now available worldwide via a Google Play update for Android 10+ and Android 15 devices.

The Theft Detection Lock Advanced Feature

The cornerstone of these security updates is Theft Detection Lock, an AI-driven feature designed to secure your device in the event of theft.

This feature uses on-device machine learning to analyze signals, such as suspicious handling, and locks the screen automatically if a theft attempt is detected.

According to the Google post, Theft Detection Lock uses powerful AI to proactively protect you at the moment of a theft attempt. By using on-device machine learning, Theft Detection Lock is able to analyze various device signals to detect potential theft attempts. 

If the algorithm detects a potential theft attempt on your unlocked device, it locks your screen to keep thieves out.

To protect your sensitive data if your phone is stolen, Theft Detection Lock uses device sensors to identify theft attempts.

This feature is rolling out gradually to ensure compatibility with various devices, starting today with Android devices that cover 90% of active users worldwide. Check your theft protection settings page periodically to see if your device is currently supported.

Also Read: Android New Theft Detection Lock Rolled Out

Other Rolled Out Features 

The big search engine company also highlighted some features. Google said sensitive settings like Find My Device now require authentication via PIN, password, or biometrics.

• Multiple failed login attempts trigger a device lockdown, thwarting password-guessing attempts.
• Factory Reset Protection makes it harder for thieves to reset a stolen device without the original Google account credentials, reducing its resale value significantly.

Google plans to launch an additional feature, Identity Check, later this year. This opt-in tool will require biometric authentication to access critical settings, offering another layer of protection even if a thief compromises the device PIN.