Overdue Google Chrome upgrade will make billions of Android users more secure

Google is working on a new security enhancement, dubbed Identity Check, that'll roll-out to billions of Android phone owners in the coming weeks

ADARSH CHAUHAN | UNSPLASH
Aaron Brown

By Aaron Brown


Published: 23/10/2024

- 16:21

Identity Check offers similar enhancements to Apple's Stolen Device Protection

Billions of Google Chrome users are poised to benefit from a security upgrade.

The long-overdue enhancement — known as Identity Check — will roll out to the popular web browser on Android phones in early 2025. This additional security measure will require biometric authentication, like a fingerprint scan or facial recognition, when trying to access sensitive settings within the browser.

According to code unearthed by Android Authority, Google Chrome will only trigger Identity Check when you're away from a trusted location, like your home Wi-Fi network, to minimise disruptions.

When away from these locations, attempting to access critical Google account or device settings like contactless payment methods, cross-device sync settings, or incognito mode, will all require a fingerprint scan or other biometric authentication to verify that it's you.

Changing the PIN for your Android phone, disabling theft protection, or accessing Passkeys from an untrusted location will also trigger Identity Check.

If your smartphone is stolen, this new layer of security could prevent thieves from accessing your personal information or making crucial changes to your cross-device settings — even if they've unlocked your device.

Even if the worst has happened, and thieves have witnessed you typing-out your PIN or passcode to unlock your smartphone — Identity Check will still stop them from making critical changes to Android settings to lock you out of your own account with a new PIN or disabling theft protection without verifying with a biometric check.

iPhone owners have been shielded by a similar system since the introduction of Stolen Device Protection back in January. Like the Identity Check functionality coming soon to Android devices, Apple's Stolen Device Protection adds a one-hour security delay before changing the passcode if your iPhone or iPad is recorded as being in an unfamiliar location.

That should buy you more time to mark your device as lost in the Find My app. Stolen Device Protection must be turned on before the device is lost or stolen, Apple warns.

Since Identity Check is still in beta testing, Google hasn't confirmed the full details of exactly how this security feature will work. However, it represents a significant step forward in mobile security, potentially thwarting thieves who might otherwise gain access to your personal and financial information — or block you from remotely accessing your own account, marking the Android handset as stolen.

According to the latest whispers, Identity Check is tipped to be ready for release in December as part of the next major update to Android 15. However, since the final release date hasn't been confirmed, plans could change.

theft detection lock shown in the android 15 settings

With the arrival of Android 15, Google has added a new Theft Detection Lock feature that prevents pickpockets from accessing your personal data if they swipe an unlocked phone from your hands

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It comes just a few days after Google introduced Theft Detection Lock to smartphone owners worldwide. Using a combination of sensors inside the handset and Artificial Intelligence (AI), this feature can work out when a smartphone has been snatched from its owner’s hand. As soon as this happens, Android 15 will automatically lock the screen — preventing thieves from getting into the device.

Google says the clever anti-theft feature was partially inspired by the increase in snatch-and-grab thefts in London, where pickpockets use a bicycle, moped, or electric scooter to mount the pavement, snatch a smartphone from an unsuspecting person's hand, and then motor away.

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Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, reacted to the roll-out of Theft Detection Lock by stating: "The theft of a mobile phone is hugely distressing and we are seeing numbers increase all around the world. While the Met are taking targeted action with patrols in London’s worst hotspots it is far too easy and profitable for criminals to repurpose and sell on expensive stolen phones.

Last year I called on mobile companies to do what they can to ensure that their devices are not appealing to thieves, and I’m pleased that Google are introducing these important new security updates.

"We know there is much more still to be done to tackle this problem, but I am committed to continuing to work with the mobile phone industry and the Met to catch the criminals behind this appalling industry, as we build a safer London for everyone."

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