Google's new Android Triple Lock update leak – triple security surprise

It appears that Google has dropped a whole new set of security features, a triumvirate of locks that make your data much safer in the event of theft: Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock.

Users of Apple's iPhone are quick to boast about the additional privacy protection the device, along with the iOS platform on which it is based, brings to the smartphone security party. Google is often seen as a poor performer when it comes to Android devices, but the reality is that both smartphone giants do their utmost to ensure that user data is safe and secure. Google's latest move, spotted by Android Authority's Mishaal Rahman, someone known for leaking Android update news before most others get wind of it, involves a triple lock feature update for the Android security. Back in September, I wrote about how Rahman had found evidence in Android's 15 QPR1 Beta 2 code that identity verification was enabled, which, as I said at the time, would not be invoked “when apps invoke the biometric prompt dialog with a PIN.” “. /password/pattern-Fallback.” This means that if someone steals your Android phone, even if the thief knows your unlock PIN code through shoulder surfing, they won't be able to access the device without a biometric match. The three new features for Android users now open up new and even more secure options for data protection after theft.

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Android Triple Lock security feature update begins rolling out, according to leaker

A newly published post by Rahman on X, formerly known as Twitter, suggests that the Triple Lock security update has started rolling out to users worldwide. This follows his original post on the platform on October 5, in which Rahman said one of his Android devices, a Xiaomi 14T Pro, had been upgraded with theft detection lock and offline device lock, but not remote lock, while others apparently said so had remote lock, but not the other two.

Although I haven't seen any of the three features on my Android smartphones yet, I live in the UK so there may be some geographical lag. This is how the triple lock functions work, as Rahman has discovered so far.

• Theft Detection Lock – This uses an AI model with machine learning to determine if someone has “snatched” your smartphone from your hand and then stolen it, whether on foot, by bike, or even in a car. Once this decision is made, Android uses the detection lock feature to lock your device, blocking access to the data. Once assumes that in this case the previously mentioned identity verification function would also apply and prevent the device from being unlocked using a PIN code.
• Offline Device Lock – This will automatically lock your device screen if someone tries to keep the smartphone away from the internet for a long time after theft. People have been known to put the device into airplane mode and disconnect from the internet to prevent it from being blocked remotely.
• Remote Lock: Allows you to lock your phone remotely if you cannot log in to the official Find My Device feature using your password. As long as you know your phone number, you can lock the device.

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You can learn more about the triple security feature triumvirate from Google itself. In a May 15 announcement, Suzanne Frey, Android's vice president of product, growth and trust, said users should pay attention to the features rather than providing an expected release schedule. That time seems to be now.

“We are committed to protecting your device and your data on Android,” said Frey, “we are constantly developing new protections to help our users around the world.”