Android 15: New security features in the latest beta version
Android 15 comes with a number of functions that increase security and data protection and automatically take action if the phone is stolen.
(Bild: Arthur_Shevtsov/Shutterstock.com)
- Stefan Porteck
At the Google I/O developer conference, Google presented the second beta of the upcoming Android 15, which includes several new security features. For example, Android 15 includes the "Private Space", a data vault for sensitive apps. Applications in Private Space can only be opened after a separate PIN has been entered. This prevents unauthorized users from opening banking apps, for example, if they get their hands on the unlocked smartphone.
According to Google, Private Space works at operating system level and therefore not only protects the data of an app, but also ensures that app notifications remain hidden from prying eyes. If desired, the entire app can even be made invisible.
(Bild: Google)
As a further security measure, Android 15 asks for the device PIN, unlock pattern or biometric authentication when unlocking the device. This happens if you want to switch off the device lock, extend the display time or change other security-related settings on the phone or in the Google account.
AI detects theft
Although this does not prevent the theft of the smartphone, Android 15 also aims to be more secure in this case thanks to AI: if the motion sensors detect that the phone has been snatched from your hand and the thief is now fleeing on foot or on a bike, the smartphone immediately locks automatically. If the theft detection does not work, for example because the phone was slowly stolen from a handbag or a car, it can be remotely locked, located or, if necessary, reset to factory settings using the "Find my device" function. This action deletes all sensitive data on the device.
Thieves often do the latter with stolen smartphones to sell them afterward. Android will put a stop to this in the future: Phones marked as stolen cannot be put back into operation even after a factory reset without the access to data of the previous Google account.
(spo)
