Security News > 2024 > May > Android to add new anti-theft and data protection features
Google is introducing multiple anti-theft and data protection features later this year, some available only for Android 15+ devices, while others will roll out to billions of devices running Android 10 and later.
To protect your personal and sensitive data if your device is stolen or lost, a new AI-powered automated screen lock named Theft Detection Lock will lock the screen if it detects abrupt motions associated with theft attempts, like thieves snatching your device out of your hand.
To further ensure that thieves can't access your sensitive data and apps, another new feature known as Offline Device Lock will automatically lock the device shortly after a thief disconnects it from the network or if it detects too many failed authentication attempts.
Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock will be available on devices running Android 10 or later through a Google Play services update that will roll out later this year.
As announced at Google I/O 2024, the new Android 15 release will also upgrade factory reset protection to make stolen devices very difficult or impossible to sell by requiring your Google account credentials during the setup process.
Factory reset protection updates and private space will be released when Android 15 launches this fall, while enhanced authentication protections will be available on select devices later this year.