Google is gradually rolling out its new Android 17 operating system. Initially available for its own Pixel smartphones, it is scheduled to be released on other compatible devices throughout the year. At first glance, practical everyday features take center stage, such as the so-called Bubbles - floating app windows for easier multitasking. However, important changes are working more behind the scenes: A series of new security features is designed to provide better protection against thieves and intrusive apps, among other things.
Better Theft and Data Protection
If the smartphone is lost or stolen, it will now be possible to secure its data with a new step. Via the already familiar Find My Device feature, missing devices can be located. Users can play a sound or lock it. With the revised Mark as Lost option under Find My Device, the smartphone can now also be locked with one's own biometric data if desired, such as via fingerprint or facial recognition. Even if a thief knows the code, they can neither disable location tracking nor access content.
Additionally, Android 17 makes it harder to guess codes. Google has reduced the number of allowed input attempts and extended the waiting time between incorrect entries. And users also gain more control when it comes to handling personal data. Instead of releasing the entire address book, individual contacts can be specifically selected.
According to Google, an app can now also be granted temporary access to location only. For example, if someone is looking for a nearby restaurant, permission can be granted temporarily. Furthermore, an updated location indicator should make it easier to see when an app is accessing location.
Higher Barriers Against Threats
The so-called live detection has also been optimized accordingly. Through on-device, AI-supported procedures, users should be warned about threats such as suspicious apps and fraud attempts. According to Google, this is a security feature that works in real time. It is intended to alert users to apps that behave suspiciously. For example, it should provide better protection against unwanted forwarding of text messages or, for instance, against programs that try to get users to perform unintended actions.
Protection for access to one-time passwords sent via text message is also being improved. Android is set to automatically hide the codes from most apps for three hours. This promises more security, as such passwords are usually only valid for a few minutes.
In addition, starting with Android 17, the so-called Certificate Transparency is automatically activated. This standard is designed to improve the security of digital certificates, which in turn is intended to prevent threats. Simply put, this helps, among other things, to detect fake websites or makes it more difficult for attackers to intercept the communication between two parties.
