Unlocking the Power of Advanced Protection on Android
As technology advances, so do the threats to our personal data and device security. To combat this, Google has introduced Advanced Protection on Android, a comprehensive security feature that combines multiple settings across six categories into one switch. By enabling Advanced Protection, users can lock certain features to prevent them from being disabled individually and activate additional protections to safeguard their device and data.
What Does Advanced Protection Do?
Advanced Protection encompasses several key areas, including:
Apps, Device safety, Messages, Network, Phone, and Web. Specifically, it includes features such as:
- 2G network protection, which prevents phones from connecting to insecure 2G networks on supported devices.
- Safe browsing, which blocks phishing and malicious websites.
- Chrome HTTPS enforcement, which forces HTTPS whenever possible.
- JavaScript protections, which disable Chrome’s JavaScript optimizer to reduce attack risks.
Why Isn’t Advanced Protection Enabled by Default?
While Advanced Protection offers enhanced security, some of its features, such as blocking sideloaded apps or automatically screening calls, may cause issues for certain users. As a result, Google has made it an optional feature, allowing users to choose whether to enable it or not.
Does Advanced Protection Block Sideloaded Apps?
Yes, Advanced Protection blocks installations from unknown sources, meaning users cannot sideload apps outside the Play Store while it’s enabled. This adds an extra layer of security, but may limit flexibility for some users.
Will Advanced Protection Slow Down My Phone or Make it Harder to Use?
The impact of Advanced Protection on device performance is minimal. The main trade-offs are the inability to sideload apps and occasional issues with spam and call screening. Overall, the benefits of enhanced security far outweigh any minor inconvenience.
What Happens if My Phone is Stolen?
In the event of a stolen phone, Advanced Protection proves particularly useful. It includes features such as Theft Detection Lock, which automatically locks the phone if it’s grabbed from the user’s hand or moved suddenly. Additionally, Offline Device Lock locks the device when it loses connection, and Inactivity Reboot forces a reboot if the phone stays locked for 72 hours.
Do I Need Google Account Advanced Protection?
Separate from the device toggle, Google Account Advanced Protection is an opt-in program that secures online accounts, including Gmail, Drive, Docs, and more. It requires stronger sign-in methods, such as passkeys or physical security keys, and limits third-party access to data. For the highest level of security, especially for those at high risk, enabling both Android’s Advanced Protection and Google Account Advanced Protection is highly recommended.
