- Android 16 may include additional protection against USB hacks
- The feature has been viewed in code in the current beta
- USB accessories don’t work on a locked smartphone
If a hacker hacker can get physical access to your phone, you have a whole set of extra security issues to worry about, but it seems that Android 16 will introduce a new way to lock your data and protect against USB access.
As discovered by the team on Android Authority, code hidden in the latest beta versions of Android 16 USB data signaling -the possibility of running software on a phone through the USB port -deactivated by the user.
This optional extra seems to be included as part of Advanced Protection Mode, a wider package of security features. This condition is aimed at telephone owners who are most exposed to hacking attacks and are provided with several additional data protection.
Advanced protection mode is not new, but we expect it to make a few improvements with Android 16, including automatic restarts for inactive phones (theoretically avert thieves who do not have passwords or biometric data to log in).
Remains protected
Look at
In general, Android phones (and devices generally) are more confidence in peripheral devices that are directly connected. No one wants to have to enter a password every day just to use their computer keyboard and mice, for example.
However, this extra confidence (and extra convenience when it comes to using your hardware and accessories) can lead to safety vulnerability: it is through the local access route that many gadgets can be divided into.
The code found by Android Authority suggests that you need to unlock your phone with a fingerprint or facial scan for example before you are able to connect accessories that can communicate with your device and use USB data signaling.
We will have to wait and see exactly how it works – Android 16 launches in the coming months – but advanced protection mode remains optional, so it is your choice whether you want to put up a few more disadvantages in return for better security.
