Android Pie is already here, and it has brought with it incredible security features. First announced in March 2018, the beta quality was rolled out in May and the final and stable version released to the public in August.
The pixel devices got the new software immediately while other brands such as Asus, Huawei, Nokia, HTC, Honor, Motorola, and LG are still rolling out the update.
Whether you already have the new software or will get it soon, here are some security features inherent in Android P that should excite you.
That means that the only time an app can access the mic or camera is when both of these apps are active on screen. Note also, that no app will be able to use any other sensor on your phone except the camera and the mic.
Therefore. If you were worried about apps that listen and watch you without your knowledge, you can relax.
By making HTTPS a standard for apps, even apps or rather developers that refused to be security conscious and continued to use HTTP will have to adhere to the new standard. That benefits you as the user because it means your data is secure as it travels all over the internet.
The two layers make it harder for malicious people who steal phones, restore them to factory settings and resell them. However, note that if you forget the PIN, pattern or password, even you will not be able to restore your phone.
To enhance privacy and eliminate the vulnerability, Android Pie periodically sends an alert tone to you and the person you are talking to if it detects a recording attempt.
For instance, when browsing on public Wi-Fi, your data is still in danger of theft. Also, by itself, HTTPS encryption is not enough. Consequently, you need a good Android VPN for further encryption.
An Android VPN will encrypt your traffic and route it via secure servers when you are on public Wi-Fi to maximize security and privacy. Also, it will hide your browsing activity keeping you safe from snoopers.
Perhaps most amazing of all, a good VPN does not compromise your internet speeds to give ample protection against traffic interception and snooping. If you are as cybersecurity-conscious as we are, we strongly recommend that you patch up the security loopholes in Android Pie as soon as you get it.
The pixel devices got the new software immediately while other brands such as Asus, Huawei, Nokia, HTC, Honor, Motorola, and LG are still rolling out the update.
Whether you already have the new software or will get it soon, here are some security features inherent in Android P that should excite you.
A good amount of restriction on the use of the camera or mic in the background
Unlike in previous Android versions where an app could easily hijack your camera or mic in the background as long as you had enabled certain permissions; Android pie ensures that apps cannot use your camera or mic in the background.That means that the only time an app can access the mic or camera is when both of these apps are active on screen. Note also, that no app will be able to use any other sensor on your phone except the camera and the mic.
Therefore. If you were worried about apps that listen and watch you without your knowledge, you can relax.
HTTPS is now the default for all apps
Previous versions of Android could handle both HTTP and HTTPS. Both of these are protocols that facilitate communication over the internet with HTTPS being more secure because it employs a level of encryption.By making HTTPS a standard for apps, even apps or rather developers that refused to be security conscious and continued to use HTTP will have to adhere to the new standard. That benefits you as the user because it means your data is secure as it travels all over the internet.
A passcode will be mandatory when restoring your device
Previously, there was only one layer of security when it came to restoring your device—fingerprint or face ID. Android has added another layer where you also need to type in a password, PIN or pattern.The two layers make it harder for malicious people who steal phones, restore them to factory settings and resell them. However, note that if you forget the PIN, pattern or password, even you will not be able to restore your phone.
An alert tone to inform you if your call is being recorded
So far, when using an Android device, there have been two ways your call can be recorded without your knowledge—either an app will record your call or the person you are talking to will record your call.To enhance privacy and eliminate the vulnerability, Android Pie periodically sends an alert tone to you and the person you are talking to if it detects a recording attempt.
Verdict
Without a doubt, Android P is the most secure version of Android to date. However, note that while this is reassuring, you need to remember that vulnerabilities still exist, especially in your unprotected internet traffic passing through multiple external nodes.For instance, when browsing on public Wi-Fi, your data is still in danger of theft. Also, by itself, HTTPS encryption is not enough. Consequently, you need a good Android VPN for further encryption.
An Android VPN will encrypt your traffic and route it via secure servers when you are on public Wi-Fi to maximize security and privacy. Also, it will hide your browsing activity keeping you safe from snoopers.
Perhaps most amazing of all, a good VPN does not compromise your internet speeds to give ample protection against traffic interception and snooping. If you are as cybersecurity-conscious as we are, we strongly recommend that you patch up the security loopholes in Android Pie as soon as you get it.
