'If are not on Android already...': Google has a message for iPhone users

At The Android Show, Google unveiled its Advanced Protection security suite, designed specifically for Android 16. Building on its existing security infrastructure, this new suite introduces enhanced safeguards against sophisticated cyber threats. It also includes specialized features tailored for high-risk users—such as journalists, elected officials, and public figures—offering them stronger protection. During the announcement, Google didn’t miss the chance to throw a little shade at iPhone users, encouraging them to 'embrace Android' for better security."This is just one of many Android security features we're investing in, like theft protection, real-time malware scanning, and platform-level fraud detection to help keep you safe," said Stella Loh, senior product manager of Android Platform, while "And that's why Android smartphones scored highest for built-in security features and anti-fraud efficacy in a recent study," she added, saying, "So if any of you aren't on Android already, think about switching to the platform that helps shut down scammers."Android Security Group Product Manager Il-Sung Lee announced that the Advanced Protection programme introduces a central security setting. This setting allows users to enable and secure Android's top-tier security functionalities. Lee stated that the feature provides "Google's strongest security for mobile devices" for both at-risk individuals and those who prioritise security.A notable new capability is Intrusion Logging, described as an "industry-first." This feature securely and privately backs up device logs in a way that prevents tampering. This supports users in performing forensic analysis if they suspect their device has been compromised.The system utilises a multi-layered security approach, referred to as "defense-in-depth." This strategy ensures that multiple security layers work together, helping to prevent security features within Advanced Protection from being disabled accidentally or maliciously.Advanced Protection serves as a unified control point, managing important security configurations across various Google applications, including Chrome, Google Messages, and Phone by Google. Google also indicated plans to include third-party applications in the future, provided they integrate with the system. Lee explained that the suite functions as "a single control point that enables important security settings across many of your favorite Google apps."The Advanced Protection feature will be accessible on devices running the Android 16 operating system.