Digital Event Horizon
Google has introduced a new security feature called Advanced Protection mode, designed to provide an additional layer of protection against sophisticated hacking attacks on Android devices. This new setting will be available in the upcoming release of Android 16 and provides a range of security features to help users stay safe online.
Google introduces Advanced Protection mode in Android 16 to provide an additional layer of protection against sophisticated hacking attacks. The mode is designed for high-risk users, such as journalists and elected officials, who are most susceptible to mercenary malware attacks. The features include disabling 2G networks, automatic disconnections from insecure Wi-Fi, enhanced memory management protections, and JavaScript protections. The Advanced Protection mode takes a defense-in-depth approach to locking down devices in high-risk environments. It aims to reduce the "surface area" of the device that hackers can exploit by turning off non-essential components.
Google has introduced a new security feature, known as Advanced Protection mode, designed to provide an additional layer of protection against sophisticated hacking attacks on Android devices. This new setting is intended for users who are most at-risk due to their profession or location, such as journalists and elected officials.
The Advanced Protection mode will be available in the upcoming release of Android 16, and will enable a host of security features that take a defense-in-depth approach to locking down phones when in high-risk environments. These features include the inability to connect to 2G networks, automatic disconnections from insecure Wi-Fi networks, enhanced memory management protections, automatic power-downs, intrusion logging, and JavaScript protections.
The Advanced Protection mode is similar to Apple's Lockdown mode, which was introduced on iOS devices in 2022. The main idea behind both modes is to reduce the "surface area" of the device that hackers can exploit by turning off non-essential components that are most susceptible to hacking.
Google's Advanced Protection mode is a response to the growing threat of mercenary malware and other exploit sellers who provide attacks-as-a-service through end-to-end platforms. These services exploit zero-day vulnerabilities on targeted devices, infect them with advanced spyware, and then capture sensitive information such as contacts, message histories, locations, and more.
According to Google's product manager for Android Security, Il-Sung Lee, the new Advanced Protection mode will provide users with a core suite of enhanced security features that can help thwart some of the most common techniques used in sophisticated hacks. While these protections may hamper performance and capabilities on devices, they are essential for users who are most at-risk due to their profession or location.
The introduction of Advanced Protection mode is a significant step forward in the fight against hacking attacks on Android devices. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for device manufacturers and operating system vendors to stay ahead of the curve and provide users with the tools they need to protect themselves.
In conclusion, Google's Advanced Protection mode represents a major leap forward in the company's efforts to provide an additional layer of security protection for Android devices. As the threat of sophisticated hacking attacks continues to grow, it is essential that device manufacturers and operating system vendors prioritize security and provide users with the tools they need to protect themselves.
Related Information:
https://www.digitaleventhorizon.com/articles/Googles-Advanced-Protection-Mode-A-New-Layer-of-Defense-Against-Sophisticated-Hacking-Attacks-deh.shtml
https://arstechnica.com/security/2025/05/google-introduces-advanced-protection-mode-for-its-most-at-risk-android-users/
Published: Tue May 13 17:31:49 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
