Android 16 expands 'Advanced Protection' with device-level security

Google is announcing improvements for the Advanced Protection feature in Android 16 that strengthen defenses against sophisticated spyware attacks. The Android platform has been a constant target for spyware campaigns and sophisticated attacks using digital forensics platforms that often rely on zero-day vulnerabilities to infect devices with minimal or no user interaction. Google already offers the 'Advanced Protection Program' for high-risk individuals (e.g. journalists, elected official, public figures) but its current focus is on protecting the Google Account. With Android 16, the company expands security hardening to the mobile device itself, beyond certain app-level settings. This device-level security layer bundles Androids' strongest system-level security features and prevents disabling, maliciously or by accident, individual security features part of the Advanced Protection umbrella. Google's Advanced Protection on Android is similar to Apple’s Lockdown Mode and will beco ... Read full article.