Android 8.0 Oreo is the software’s latest and greatest operating system to date. It features sleek new enhancements like picture-in-picture functionality, smarter Wi-Fi toggling, customizable application notifications, and more. However, its key security updates aren’t getting as much attention though they’re just as important to the all-new Android interface.
Android 8.0 Oreo Secure Booting
Android’s Verified Boot feature was introduced in 2013 and has been fine-tuned since. In Oreo, it performs a quick inspection of a device’s software before it starts up.
The Verified Boot functionality prevents the device from starting if it detects that its OS reverted to an older version. This avoids any exposure to security risks resulting from the older version’s vulnerabilities. With this upgrade, any attempts to exploit your device and data can be foiled by a system reboot.
Chip-embedded security
If you’re worried about physical attacks compromising your device’s security, Oreo covers that front as well. It has a chip-based feature that fortifies security for Android devices. Integrating chip technology into supported devices’ security system makes tampering and other forms of physical intrusion extremely challenging for hackers. On the flip side, this gives users greater protection.
Stricter app permissions
It’s tempting to just click ‘OK’ whenever downloaded apps request permission to access your data and perform certain functions during installation. Android has limited what apps can actually gain access to your data with the System Alert Window feature.
The system alerts on previous Android OS were supposed to allow apps and programs to interact with the users. However, Android developers detected a potential for its abuse. For example, hackers can easily use similar pop-up boxes that purport to be from legitimate apps.
With the new System Alert Window in Oreo, the pop-up boxes have been modified. They’re easier to dismiss, limiting what malicious apps can do to trick users into clicking them.
Two-factor authentication support
Two-factor verification has become a standard feature of cybersecurity. It adds a much-needed layer of protection in accessing a password-protected account. The authentication typically works by prompting a user to enter another piece of information in a separate device (e.g., a smartphone). It can also be any physical token, which only the account owner would have.
Android 8.0 Oreo integrates a two-step verification that uses a security key which can easily connect to an Android device. Currently, it works only on apps that support it. Though, it won’t be long before more apps adopt it as an essential security protocol.
Stronger Sandboxing
Sandboxing essentially does one crucial thing for security: isolate compromised or problem areas within a software or system. That way, they don’t infect the rest of the system.
Android 8.0 Oreo beefs up its sandboxing capability by deploying a filter that prevents malicious apps from accessing the OS’s command center. It limits their interaction with the system and other safe apps.
These security improvements aren’t the most noticeable features in Android Oreo. However, keeping a close eye on them will help secure your device and everything in it. If you need to learn more about your systems’ and devices’ security features, get in touch with us today.