Android 16 Introduces Device-Level Advanced Protection for High-Risk Users

Google Strengthens Mobile Security with Android 16’s Advanced Protection

Google has announced a significant expansion of its Advanced Protection Program (APP) with the release of Android 16, introducing a device-level security setting designed to safeguard high-risk users against sophisticated cyber threats. The update extends Google’s strongest security measures to mobile devices, providing enhanced protection for journalists, elected officials, public figures, and security-conscious individuals.

Key Features and Technical Enhancements

The new Advanced Protection setting in Android 16 consolidates Google’s highest-security features into a single, enforceable configuration. Once activated, it ensures critical security controls remain enabled and resistant to tampering, implementing a defense-in-depth strategy. Key capabilities include:

• Intrusion Logging: An industry-first feature that securely backs up device logs in a privacy-preserving and tamper-resistant manner, enabling forensic analysis if a compromise is suspected.
• Prevention of Security Bypass: Users cannot accidentally or maliciously disable individual security features under the Advanced Protection umbrella.
• Seamless App Integration: The setting acts as a single control point for security configurations across Google apps (e.g., Chrome, Google Messages, Phone by Google) and future third-party integrations.
• Low-Friction User Experience: Designed for accessibility, Advanced Protection requires no security expertise to activate while delivering proactive defense against threats.

Upcoming Security Enhancements

While Android 16 users gain immediate access to core Advanced Protection features, Google plans to roll out additional capabilities later this year, including:

• USB Protection: Mitigating risks from malicious peripherals.
• Insecure Network Auto-Reconnect Disablement: Preventing automatic connections to untrusted networks.
• Scam Detection Integration: Enhancing fraud prevention in Phone by Google.

Impact and Target Audience

Advanced Protection is tailored for high-risk individuals facing targeted attacks, such as:

• Journalists and media professionals
• Government officials and political figures
• Activists and public figures
• Enterprise users handling sensitive data

By enforcing mandatory security baselines, the feature reduces the risk of phishing, malware, and unauthorized access while maintaining usability. The tamper-resistant design ensures persistent protection even if a device is partially compromised.

Recommendations for Security Teams

• High-risk users should enable Advanced Protection immediately upon upgrading to Android 16.
• Enterprise IT teams should evaluate the feature for executives and employees handling sensitive data.
• Third-party app developers are encouraged to integrate with Advanced Protection to extend its security benefits.

Google’s commitment to evolving the program ensures users will continue to benefit from Android’s most robust security innovations as new threats emerge. For more details, visit the Advanced Protection Program page.