Photo credit: arstechnica.com

Android Update Enhances Device Security with Auto-Restart Feature

A recent update being deployed across nearly all Android devices aims to bolster security, requiring minimal user intervention. This new enhancement introduces an auto-restart feature for locked devices, thereby complicating efforts to access personal data unlawfully. This improvement will be part of the latest Google Play Services update, and users will not need to take any action to benefit from it—just leave their devices untouched for a few days.

Google’s upcoming Play Services update (v25.14), first highlighted by 9to5Google, officially commenced on April 14. However, given the nature of such updates, it may take a week or longer for all devices to receive the upgrade. Alongside the new auto-restart feature, users can expect several minor enhancements, including refined settings screens, improved connectivity with vehicles and wearables, and enhanced content previews through Quick Share.

The notable addition in Play Services 25.14, as described by Google, is that it causes devices to reboot automatically after being locked for three consecutive days. This proactive security measure aims to protect sensitive information stored on devices during periods of inactivity.

This feature bears resemblance to Apple’s Inactivity Reboot, introduced in iOS 18.1, which generated some contention among law enforcement. Officials discovered that devices they believed were in a stable state became more challenging to access once they rebooted, drawing attention to the implications of such security measures.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, updates like these underscore the necessity for mobile platforms to enhance user protection without compromising accessibility. The introduction of this auto-restart function not only enhances the security framework of Android devices but also aligns with broader trends aimed at safeguarding personal data against unauthorized access.

Source
arstechnica.com