Security Features in Android 11
Last week android rolled out its 2020 version, android 11. Users have waited for a long time for this OS update. Google Pixel users might have already received the update on their phones while it will be available for android users in some time. The new version is launched after months of beta testing and is now stable. Android 11 comes with a bunch of exciting features that make the operating system more efficient. At a glance, it looks quite similar to the previous version Android 10, but after a few swipes, you will know the new features Google has added. Android 11 is a subtle upgrade on the older version, but it has all the well-needed features. Google admits that their security features were not up to the mark hence allowed hackers to swoop in via apps downloaded from the play store and steal data. Google has seriously worked on its security and privacy features to tackle this issue. The following are some of the new features of android 11.
Security patches
While buying a new phone, many buyers worry about how quickly the manufacturer will deliver the updates from google because many times, Google’s monthly updates are delayed for some users because they have to pass through the manufacturer and networks. To curb this problem, Google has given more updates related power to google play store. Now the updates will surpass the middle levels and will be delivered straight from Google to the user.
One-time permissions
Google has given a one-time permission option in Android 11. The feature only allows an app the permission to access necessary data once. If an app needs to access files upfront or in the background while the app is running, it needs to issue another request to the user. This method secures the user’s data as the apps can’t access their data in the background.
Auto-reset permission
We all have apps on our smartphones that have not been used in a long time and have access to the data, contacts, location, and other things due to the initial permission granted to them. Android 11’s auto-reset permissions feature resets the app permissions if it has not been in a particular amount of time, to prevent any data breach or violation of privacy.
Restriction on background location access
Many instances have happened in the past about apps monitoring user’s locations in the background. Android 11 restricts background location access. If the app requires access to the device’s location, it needs to issue a request for the same. Users now have the complete power to choose how much and what they want their apps to know.
Privacy for company phones
Many companies prefer to issue company phones to their employees to monitor activity on that phone and issue updates, all for professional uses. Company phones obviously don’t allow personal use, so the employees have to carry a personal phone along with the company issued phone. To diminish the hassle, Android 11 comes with an inbuilt personal profile and work profile set up. Both the accounts will work like two different phones, meaning the application on one can not access data stored on the other.
Google has definitely taken it up a notch. The new features may not be extraordinary changes, but they are useful and well-required ones.
