Google’s newly launched Android 11 developer beta includes some killer security and privacy features ... [+]
Google and Apple are old rivals, but so far it could be argued that Apple has taken the lead in the privacy and security stakes. Sure, Android 10 has improved security and privacy, but the iPhone maker’s iOS 13 has mostly demonstrated a gold standard partly due to an overhaul in the permissions system.
Google has already been performing the same overhaul in Android 10, which added the “while app is in use” permission option to help prevent tracking while you aren’t using certain apps. This system is about to get even better, Google said as it launched its first Android 11 developer preview on February 19.
Taking a direct swipe at Apple with a set of new features, it’s clear security and privacy are going to be a major priority for Google’s Android 11. “We’ve added multiple new features to help users manage access to sensitive data and files, and we’ve hardened critical areas of the platform to keep the operating system resilient and secure,” it said.
Here are the top security and privacy features coming in Google’s Android 11.
More granular permissions: The ability to allow an app to use a permission just once
In Android 11, there will be the ability to allow an app to use a permission just once. Available for the Microphone, Location and Camera permissions, it means the app will ask for the ability to, for example, track your location every time you open it.
Another permissions change which will impact developers is scoped storage–a feature already in available Android 10 which allows you to keep apps effectively in a data “sandbox”. This means they can’t read outside information unless you provide permission. Google hopes this will be the default for developers’ apps in Android 11.
Meanwhile, Google is improving user privacy by updating its Google Play Policy to ensure that developers’ apps “only request location permissions when truly necessary.”
Android 11 includes a focus on biometric authentication
On the security side of Android 11, exciting developments include a focus on biometrics such as Face Unlock and fingerprint scanners as a form of authentication for your apps (for example banking). In Android 11, Google has made changes to the BiometricPrompt API to allow developers to more easily support these essential security features.
Secure storage and retrieval of identity documents–so you can leave your wallet at home
Another killer security feature in Android 11 is support for secure storage and retrieval of verifiable identification documents, such as a Mobile Driving License. Google hasn’t given much detail about this, but promises to reveal more soon.
The long term aim is for Google Android phone users to be able to leave their wallet at home. After all, why would you need your wallet if you can access you cards via Google Pay, and your ID documents, all in one place?
Android 11: “A great move” for security and privacy
Android 10 started the path towards a more secure Google operating system, and it looks like Android 11 will build on this further. Security researcher Sean Wright says the updates are “a great move” that helps “give greater control to users.”
“This places more privacy based controls in users’ hands, and gives them a choice.”
Jake Moore, cybersecurity specialist at ESET, also welcomes the move in Android 11 to add more granular permissions: “Permissions should be dealt with extremely carefully–especially when it comes to microphone, location and camera. Permissions are regularly forgotten about by the user and it helps to be reminded from time to time.”
However, John Opdenakker, a security industry professional, points out that usability can be affected when companies ask for permissions too many times. This has already been seen in Apple’s case, with some people complaining that the iPhone maker’s features hinder functionality. "Confirming permissions every single time has usability impact and I don’t think a lot of people will use this option," Opdenakker says.
Apple V Google: Who wins?
At least on the privacy side, the new features are strikingly similar to Apple’s–which introduced multiple privacy and security controls in its latest operating system, iOS 13. But as Apple tries to cement its place in the market as the company that cares about your privacy and security, Google wants to fight back.
Even with these changes, will Android ever match Apple in these stakes? Apple will of course say no, its devices will always be more secure, because the firm owns the whole ecosystem of hardware, software and apps.
In a way it is right. The Google Play Store continues to be plagued with issues and Android users often have to wait months for important updates. But with these additional Android 11 features and the ability to use anti-virus and other security controls on your device, some users would argue they can be as secure, it just requires a little more work.
