Thanks to a new advanced security mode in Android 16, 2G is blocked, Wi-Fi is restricted, and spyware is deterred.
Google introduces a new security setting in Android 16 aimed at users at risk of targeted cyber attacks, such as journalists, politicians, and activists. The new mode, Advanced Protection, activates a series of security features at once that should make the device more resistant to advanced spyware and other malware.
Extra protection against 2G networks
One of the most notable measures is disabling connectivity with 2G networks. These outdated networks offer little encryption and are vulnerable to eavesdropping. Additionally, Android 16 in this mode prevents the device from automatically connecting to unencrypted Wi-Fi networks, such as those at airports or in cafes.
Other features include activating memory tagging, which is a protection against memory leaks, and automatically turning off the device after a long period of inactivity. This keeps data unreadable without unlocking.
Protection against physical and digital attacks
Advanced Protection also disables some JavaScript optimizations that can be exploited in attacks, and logs system events in a secure part of the memory. With this ‘intrusion logging’, Google aims to help its users determine if their device may have been hacked.
Later this year, more features will be added, such as USB security and integration with scam detection for phone calls and Google Messages.
Apple’s Lockdown Mode for Android
Ars Technica writes that the feature strongly resembles Apple’s Lockdown Mode, which has been part of iOS since 2022. They both try to reduce attacks by disabling vulnerable parts of the system. For most users, the user experience will remain the same and they won’t notice much of the greatly increased protection in high-risk situations.