Updated to Android 16? You should enable these 2 critical security features ASAP – here’s why

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Android 16 provides stronger default safety for all customers.
• Id Verify helps block entry outdoors trusted areas.
• Superior Safety shields in opposition to apps, networks, and scams.

Though Google’s earlier-than-expected launch of Android 16 was lacking a number of necessary options, the up to date OS delivers improved safety that each Android person could be effectively suggested to allow.

Additionally: How to clear your Android phone cache (and why it makes such a big difference)

I am going to clarify these two key safety features and find out how to discover and allow them.

1. Id Verify

This function was added in 2024, nevertheless it did not obtain a lot consideration till the discharge of Android 16. What’s Id Verify?

For example you are away from dwelling (which you have designated as a trusted location — extra on that in a bit). Whilst you’re gone, somebody good points entry to your telephone and both goes to make modifications to crucial safety settings or makes an attempt to entry saved passwords or different delicate info. As a result of the telephone is away out of your trusted location, when that particular person tries to make these modifications, biometric authentication will stop them from accessing these options or knowledge.

Additionally: 7 simple things I always do on Android to protect my privacy – and why you should too

This is the factor about Id Verify: It is not simple to search out. The easiest way to find the function is to open the Settings app and seek for “identification test.” As soon as on the Id Verify web page, you may allow the function (it must be enabled by default) and add a trusted location. As soon as you have added a trusted location, biometrics will not be required for that specific place.

Personally, I’ve opted to not add a trusted place to make sure I get probably the most out of my Pixel 9 Professional’s safety. That, in fact, is as much as you. Since I am going by the mantra “higher secure than sorry,” I am going to decide out of any risk of bypassing safety.

2. Superior Safety

This new addition to Android brings collectively a number of robust safety measures to guard in opposition to spyware and adware, malicious apps, insecure connections, and on-line threats.

If you allow Superior Safety (it is enabled by default), the next safeguards are enabled:

• System security (protects in opposition to misplaced, stolen, or confiscated telephones)
• Apps (protects in opposition to reminiscence bugs and malicious apps)
• Networks (prevents insecure connections)
• Internet (protects in opposition to unsafe web sites)
• Cellphone by Google (protects in opposition to spam calls)
• Google Messages (protects in opposition to spam and scams)

Additionally: How to turn on Android’s Private DNS mode – and why you should ASAP

All the above safety occurs by merely enabling Superior Safety. You faucet the On/Off slider till it is within the On place, and your Android telephone is protected.

Another factor: Account Safety

There may be, nevertheless, yet another factor you are able to do. On the identical Superior Safety web page, you may see an entry labeled “Account Safety.” When you faucet that (after which authenticate), you may allow Superior Safety in your Google account to safeguard you from focused on-line assaults. As soon as on the ensuing web page, faucet “Enroll in Superior Safety.”

And that is it. As soon as you have enabled these options (and enrolled your Google account in Superior Safety), your info and telephone will likely be higher protected in opposition to hurt.

Additionally: Your Android phone’s most powerful security feature is off by default and hidden – turn it on now

I’d extremely suggest utilizing each of those options as quickly as your telephone is upgraded to Android 16.

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