Google unveiled its Advanced Protection security suite for Android 16 today, expanding its strongest security protections to mobile devices. The new feature aims to protect high-risk individuals like journalists, elected officials, and public figures against sophisticated cyber threats.
The Advanced Protection program, announced in a Google Security Blog post by Android Security Group Product Manager Il-Sung Lee, provides a unified security setting that activates and locks Android's highest security features.
"Whether you're an at-risk individual – such as a journalist, elected official, or public figure – or you just prioritize security, Advanced Protection gives you the ability to activate Google's strongest security for mobile devices," Lee wrote in the announcement.
Industry-first intrusion logging feature enhances security analysis
Among the most innovative additions is Intrusion Logging, described as an "industry-first feature" that securely backs up device logs in a privacy-preserving, tamper-resistant way. This allows users to conduct forensic analysis if device compromise is suspected.
The system employs a "defense-in-depth" strategy where multiple security layers work in concert, preventing both accidental and malicious disabling of individual security features within Advanced Protection.
Single control point extends protection across multiple apps
Advanced Protection functions as a unified control center that enables critical security settings across Google apps like Chrome, Google Messages, and Phone by Google. The company plans to incorporate third-party applications that choose to integrate with the system in the future.
"Advanced Protection acts as a single control point that enables important security settings across many of your favorite Google apps," Lee explained.
Additional features coming later this year
The initial release provides immediate access to core enhanced security features, with additional capabilities planned for later this year. These include USB protection, options to disable auto-reconnect to insecure networks, and integration with Scam Detection for Phone by Google.
Advanced Protection builds upon Google's commitment to continuously enhancing mobile security. Android's intelligent protections have been ranked highest in security by experts, with the Pixel 9 Pro leading in anti-fraud efficacy.
The Advanced Protection feature will be available on devices running Android 16.
The Advanced Protection program, announced in a Google Security Blog post by Android Security Group Product Manager Il-Sung Lee, provides a unified security setting that activates and locks Android's highest security features.
"Whether you're an at-risk individual – such as a journalist, elected official, or public figure – or you just prioritize security, Advanced Protection gives you the ability to activate Google's strongest security for mobile devices," Lee wrote in the announcement.
Industry-first intrusion logging feature enhances security analysis
Among the most innovative additions is Intrusion Logging, described as an "industry-first feature" that securely backs up device logs in a privacy-preserving, tamper-resistant way. This allows users to conduct forensic analysis if device compromise is suspected.
The system employs a "defense-in-depth" strategy where multiple security layers work in concert, preventing both accidental and malicious disabling of individual security features within Advanced Protection.
Single control point extends protection across multiple apps
Advanced Protection functions as a unified control center that enables critical security settings across Google apps like Chrome, Google Messages, and Phone by Google. The company plans to incorporate third-party applications that choose to integrate with the system in the future.
"Advanced Protection acts as a single control point that enables important security settings across many of your favorite Google apps," Lee explained.
Additional features coming later this year
The initial release provides immediate access to core enhanced security features, with additional capabilities planned for later this year. These include USB protection, options to disable auto-reconnect to insecure networks, and integration with Scam Detection for Phone by Google.
Advanced Protection builds upon Google's commitment to continuously enhancing mobile security. Android's intelligent protections have been ranked highest in security by experts, with the Pixel 9 Pro leading in anti-fraud efficacy.
The Advanced Protection feature will be available on devices running Android 16.
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