Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is putting final touches on what is to be an upgrade of the current Android operating system with advanced security features. The development comes in the wake of increased concerns about the level of security of data, stored in smartphone and tablets. Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) will look to expand the offering of its OS away from tablets and smartphones straight into cars and watches.
Automatic Security Settings
Android 5.0 lollipop is to change the way smartphones get secured in the wake of increased cyber-attacks by hackers who are always in constant pursuit of personal data. Regardless of whether users initiate the new security settings, Adrian Ludwig Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s head of security team reiterates that users should always rest assure that all their data is securely stored with a feature that is self-enabling.
Android currently powers 80% of the world’s smartphones thus the need to ensure security is given a clear thought if the dominance is to continue. Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is following in the footsteps of Apple by automatically turning the key security features without having to seek permission from users.
Loss and theft of devices is the other reason behind Google’s push to up security on its Android platform. More than three million Americans lost their smartphones in 2013 more than double the prior year; a problem Google would wish to address once and for all.
Encryption of Devices
Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) will address the theft menace by initiating a lock-screen feature that will completely lock out people, from devices that are not theirs. The search engine giant is also looking on ways of encrypting devices as a way of averting any hacking episodes.
A device manager with a ‘kill switch’ may also be initiated in this case, to disable any stolen phones. The new system called Factory Reset Protection will only require google passwords to wipe out everything and leave a device inoperable in case they are lost or stolen
