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Google Rolls Out New Security Features To Protect Against Phone Theft
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Updated on Oct 7, 2024
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Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Lead Cybersecurity Editor
In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!
- Theft Detection Lock uses AI to lock the phone during theft attempts.
- Offline Device Lock activates when the phone is offline for an extended period.
- Remote Lock allows locking the device using only the phone number.
Google is introducing a new set of features designed to make it harder for thieves to access your data, according to a report from Mishaal Rahman, who shared the information on Reddit, as covered by The Verge.
Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock features—first announced in May—can detect if someone grabs your phone and tries to flee on foot, by bike, or in a car. If the AI determines it’s a real theft attempt, the phone will automatically lock, potentially preventing the thief from accessing your apps and data, said The Verge.
The standout feature among the new updates is Theft Detection Lock, which uses AI to lock your screen when it detects “typical theft-related motion,” such as someone grabbing your phone from your hand, notes The Verge.
Offline Device Lock secures the screen when the phone has been offline for some time, and Remote Lock allows users to lock their device using only their phone number if they can’t access Find My Device with their password, said the Verge.
However the Verge noted at the time of publishing that these features did not appear on Pixel 6 yet, but Rahman shared screenshots of the settings in a recent post on Threads.
Protecting smartphones goes beyond preventing theft—cyber criminals are constantly finding new ways to compromise your mobile banking information. In August, researchers from cybersecurity firm ESET uncovered new Android malware that can capture payment data from nearby phones with near-field communication (NFC) enabled, as noted by PCMag.
Google’s new security features represent a proactive approach to combating both physical theft. These new features offer users enhanced protection, underscoring the need for continued vigilance in safeguarding personal data.
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