Android 16 is Set to Bring Extra Security Protection Against USB Hacks

If a would-be hacker can gain physical access to your phone, you have a whole set of extra security issues to worry about. But it looks like Android 16 is going to introduce a new way to lock down your data and protect against USB access. As spotted by the team at Android Authority, code hidden in the latest beta versions of Android 16 suggests that USB data signaling – the ability to run software on a phone through the USB port – can be disabled by the user.

This optional extra looks set to be included as part of Advanced Protection Mode, a wider suite of security features aimed at phone owners most at risk of hacking attacks. This mode is not new, but we're expecting it to gain a few enhancements with Android 16, including automatic reboots for inactive phones (theoretically thwarting thieves who don't have the passwords or biometric data to log into it).

Android phones and devices in general are more trusting of peripherals that are directly connected. No one wants to have to type in a password every day just to use their computer keyboard and mouse, for example. However, this extra trust (and extra convenience when it comes to using your hardware and accessories) can lead to security vulnerabilities: it's through the local access route that many gadgets can be broken into.

The code found by Android Authority suggests that you'll need to unlock your phone, with a fingerprint or face scan for example, before being able to plug in accessories that can communicate with your device and use USB data signaling. This new feature is expected to bring an extra layer of security to users, making it harder for hackers to exploit their devices.

Advanced Protection Mode remains optional, so it's your choice whether or not you want to put up with a few more inconveniences in return for better security. While this new feature is promising, we'll have to wait and see exactly how it works – Android 16 will be launching in the coming months.

About the Author

David is a freelance tech journalist who has been writing about gadgets, apps, and the web for more than two decades. Based out of Stockport, England, on TechRadar you'll find him covering news, features, and reviews, particularly for phones, tablets, and wearables.

Working to ensure our breaking news coverage is the best in the business over weekends, David also has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and a few other places besides. He's been editing the likes of PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for many years.

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