For those of you using a Google Pixel series phone or a Samsung Galaxy device, the beta version of Android 16 might now be available for testing. If you haven’t received the update yet, don’t worry. You have two options: you can either purchase a new phone that comes with Android 16 pre-installed, or you can wait until your device’s manufacturer rolls out the official update for your specific model.
For those fortunate enough to have access to the Android 16 beta, it’s crucial to focus on securing your device right from the start. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you enable two of the most important security features—Identity Check and Advanced Protection—that can drastically enhance the security of your phone and protect your personal information.
1. Identity Check: A Layer of Protection for Your Sensitive Settings
The Identity Check feature provides an extra layer of security, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive settings on your device. Once enabled, it restricts anyone—whether it’s a hacker or even someone you trust—from making changes to crucial device settings, such as disabling security features or accessing your saved passwords.
In addition, if someone tries to make changes when your device isn’t in a trusted location—such as your home or a secure network—you’ll be prompted to authenticate the action. This authentication can be done via biometrics (fingerprint or facial recognition) or through a PIN code, depending on your device’s settings.
Enabling Identity Check is simple:
- Go to the Security & Privacy tab in your device’s settings.
- Tap on More Security Settings.
- Find and enable Identity Check.
- Once activated, this feature ensures that your device’s most sensitive settings remain protected, even if someone gains physical access to it.
2. Advanced Protection: Blocking Malicious Apps and Threats
The Advanced Protection feature is designed to give your device an additional level of defense against malicious apps, sideloading, and phishing attacks. By enabling this feature, your phone will be more resilient against apps downloaded from untrusted sources or any form of spyware that might attempt to compromise your device.
What sets Advanced Protection apart is its ability to strengthen the Google Play Protect feature, which already scans apps for potential threats. With Advanced Protection, harmful apps can be flagged and removed much faster, preventing them from causing any damage to your data or privacy. It also helps safeguard your browser and messaging apps, ensuring that any malicious links or phishing attempts are swiftly blocked.
To enable Advanced Protection:
- Head to the Security & Privacy tab.
- Tap on More Security Settings.
- From there, enable the Google Play Protect feature and toggle on Advanced Protection.
Once activated, you’ll have an added layer of defense that works in the background, scanning apps, websites, and messages for potential threats, while also preventing dangerous downloads or sideloaded apps from gaining access to your device.
Why These Features Matter
As smartphones become more integrated into our everyday lives, securing them against malicious attacks and unauthorized access is paramount. By enabling both Identity Check and Advanced Protection, you significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized actions or data breaches. These features are especially important if you store sensitive information on your device, such as banking apps, passwords, or personal documents.
Although both features are designed to be seamless, it’s always a good idea to stay vigilant and keep your device updated to benefit from the latest security patches and enhancements that come with Android 16.
Conclusion
With Android 16, Google has added some powerful tools to make your device more secure. By enabling Identity Check and Advanced Protection, you’ll be well on your way to ensuring your data remains safe from both physical and digital threats. Take a few minutes to activate these settings and give yourself peace of mind knowing your device is protected.
Join our LinkedIn group Information Security Community!
