Google to enhance security with Advanced Protection with Android 16

Google, the global leader in the tech world, is gearing up to roll out a major security update for users upgrading to Android 16 or later. The beta version of this operating system is already running on select Pixel and Galaxy phones, with Motorola expected to join the ranks in the near future.

To entice users to make the switch, Google is introducing a robust new security feature called Advanced Protection, specifically designed to safeguard high-risk individuals such as politicians, journalists, activists, and celebrities from online scams, fraud, and other cyber threats. This new feature goes beyond expectations, providing a formidable defense against sophisticated cyberattacks.

How Advanced Protection Works

One of the standout features of Android 16’s Advanced Protection is its ability to lock down the device’s security settings in such a way that hackers are unable to make any modifications. By locking down the system, it creates an additional layer of defense against various types of malicious activity.

One notable aspect of this new feature is the Intrusion Logging capability. This allows users to secure their device logs in a privacy-protected folder, ensuring that any suspicious activity is captured for forensic analysis. This is especially useful in the event that the user suspects their device may have been compromised.

Securing Calls and Preventing Fraud

Advanced Protection extends its reach to critical areas of daily smartphone usage. For instance, it locks down the system during active calls, preventing users from accessing certain features—such as banking credentials, OTPs, or clicking on suspicious links from messaging apps. This is a direct response to the growing threat of scam calls and fraudulent activities that often occur while people are on the phone. By adding this layer of protection, Google aims to minimize the risk of scams that exploit users during vulnerable moments.

Additionally, the new system will automatically disable features like screen sharing the moment a user logs out or closes their video conferencing application. This will ensure that no unauthorized access can occur while the device is in use for sensitive communications.

Remote Lockdown and More

Another significant feature coming by September 2025 is the option for remote lockdown. This means that users will have the ability to remotely lock down their devices if they suspect their phone has been compromised, further enhancing overall security. This remote lockdown option will give users peace of mind in cases of loss or theft, allowing them to secure their data even if their phone is no longer in their possession.

Available Only for Android 16 and Later Devices

It’s important to note that these advanced security features will only be available to devices running Android 16 or later. Devices running older versions of Android will not benefit from these enhanced protections. This also means that sideloading of apps—downloading apps from third-party sources outside the Google Play Store—will be strictly prohibited. Google Play Protect will be the only supported platform for app downloads, ensuring that only trusted and verified applications make it to your device.

The Case for Long-Term Device Investment

In a time when many smartphone manufacturers, like Samsung and Motorola, are offering up to 4-6 years of operating system upgrades for their devices, investing in high-end smartphones makes more sense than ever before. These long-term OS support policies mean that a device’s value is extended well beyond its initial purchase price, allowing users to enjoy the latest features and security updates for several years. This is especially true for flagship models like the Galaxy S25 series, where the upfront cost is balanced by the longevity of future software updates and security features.

By making the right investment in a device that guarantees long-term support, users can rest assured that their device will stay relevant, secure, and protected for years to come.