14 DAY TRIAL // Android is definitely not the most secure mobile platform available on the market, but one of the reasons would be the fact that most hackers are targeting the most popular OS, hence Android is given more attention by those who are willing to put their time and effort into finding ways to compromise a smartphone.
Although Google has been trying to patch all the security flaws found over the years, there will always be exploits that the search giant can’t find until they are revealed by those affected.
With the new Android 5.0 Lollipop, Google makes another attempt at tightening the security for those who use devices powered by this version of the operating system.
While we have already reported on some of the most important security features included in Lollipop, there’s one in particular that is worth talking about separately.
The information hasn’t been confirmed yet, but both Forbes and Recode reputable websites report the new feature will surely make it into Android 5.0 Lollipop.
The so-called “kill switch” security feature is meant to discourage phone theft, and if implemented, it will allow owners to render their handsets useless in case they get stolen.
The concept is pretty simple and will prevent someone from doing a factory reset of that particular smartphone unless they have the necessary credentials.
The new feature will appear on Android 5.0 Lollipop devices as “Factory Reset Protection.” This is a permanent protection, but it will only activate when the device’s screen is locked.
The new feature will be optional, so users will have to manually activate it
Basically, those who steal smartphones and plan to do a factory reset on them won’t be able to do it unless they have the required password. This means that all your data will remain on the phone preventing the thief from wiping it unless they know your Google ID and password.
The new feature is supposed to protect the smartphone from a factory reset through recovery as well. Until Google doesn’t share more details on this security feature, there’s no telling to what extent it can protect a smartphone after being stolen. There might be some sort of a secure lock screen required for the new feature as well, but these are just speculations for the moment.
Unfortunately, the new security feature will be optional, which means users should know about it and then actually activate it. The good news is the “kill switch” feature should be implemented by default in all smartphones in the United States beginning next year.