Google Announces New Security Upgrades For Android

Google in its I/O developer conference has announced new security upgrades for its Android N, Android for Work as well as Marshmallow OS.
The tech giant’s head of the Android security division, Adrian Ludwig has said that Android N, the yet to be launched OS will boast of three new security features including: Media Server hardening, file-based encryption and automatic updates.
As per Ludwig, encryption security is elemental for Android, particularly with the increasing mobility in current times. As per security experts, file based encryption fetches more grainy control over data, while regular auto updates will lessen the burden of the IT management.
”Android N devices can also install system updates in the background. So the next time a user powers up a device, it can automatically switch into the new updated system image,” says Google.
The MediaServer hardening security feature will enable Google to prevent bugs via segregating components which handle suspicious content.
The company has fixed weaknesses in the MediaServer, which used to operate media files.
Google’s security measures in recent times have primarily focused on direct boot, key store authentication, encryption of storage, sandboxing as well as runtime permissions, as per Ludwig. Google also says that runtime permissions are more easy to understand for consumers.
The Android Marshmallow OS has now been blessed with key attestation, which will certify the permissibility of the hardware running the OS. Google has also recommended the use of HTTPS for protection of applications and Verified boot.