Google And Apple Strengthen Device Security With New Anti-theft Measures

By Author: jamescolin
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In a significant move to address the growing problem of smartphone theft, Google and Apple have announced new features that aim to make their devices more secure and harder to steal. Google’s latest anti-theft advancements target Android users, while Apple focuses on hardware security for iPhones with its upcoming iOS 18.

Google recently introduced three new anti-theft features for Android: Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and an enhanced Remote Lock. The Theft Detection Lock leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and device sensors to detect sudden, theft-related movements, like a snatch or abrupt motion. When such an event occurs, the phone automatically locks, denying access to apps and data. This proactive measure ensures that thieves cannot access sensitive information quickly.

Offline Device Lock is another new feature that adds a security layer when the device goes offline for an extended period. If a phone is deliberately disconnected from the internet by thieves trying to avoid tracking, it will automatically lock, rendering the device unusable until it reconnects. Lastly, Google’s Remote ...
... Lock feature has been updated to allow users to lock their devices using a phone number, providing an alternative when the “Find My Device” feature is disabled.

These Android security updates are rolling out through Google Play Services later this year and will be available for Android 10+ devices, with some features also integrated into Android 15. Moreover, Google has made improvements to Factory Reset Protection, which blocks thieves from resetting a stolen device without the owner’s credentials, further discouraging device theft. A new feature, Private Space, allows users to lock specific apps behind a separate PIN, ensuring an added layer of protection for sensitive apps.

Apple, on the other hand, is focusing on hardware security with the introduction of Internal Component Lock in iOS 18. This feature makes it harder for thieves to disassemble stolen iPhones and sell the parts. Key internal components, such as the motherboard and camera, are tied to the phone’s unique serial number. If unauthorized repairs are attempted or counterfeit parts are installed, the device may disable certain functionalities until genuine components are reinstalled. This reduces the appeal of stolen iPhones since they cannot be easily repurposed or sold for parts.

Apple’s Internal Component Lock will be automatically enabled with iOS 18, reinforcing the company’s commitment to security and privacy. By restricting unauthorized third-party repairs, Apple ensures that stolen iPhones lose their value, deterring theft.

For consumers, these updates from both tech giants mark a significant shift toward making smartphones less attractive targets for theft. Google’s AI-based theft detection and enhanced security locks make it harder for thieves to access stolen Android devices, while Apple’s hardware-focused solution limits the value of stolen iPhones.

While these security features are promising, it remains to be seen how effective they will be in practice. Thieves may continue to look for loopholes or new ways to bypass these protections. Nevertheless, the combined efforts of Google and Apple signal a new era of mobile security, giving users greater confidence in protecting their personal data and devices.

Read More: https://www.techdogs.com/tech-news/td-newsdesk/google-and-apple-strengthen-device-security-with-new-anti-theft-measures