Google is stepping up its security game with the upcoming Android 16 update by upgrading its Advanced Protection Program (APP) — the most robust layer of defense for Google accounts and Android devices. Unveiled during The Android Show: I/O Edition, these enhancements are tailored for high-risk users and will introduce deeper, device-level protection along with new tools to counter physical and network-based threats.

What Is Advanced Protection?

Designed for users who are most susceptible to targeted cyberattacks — such as journalists, political figures, and activists — Google’s Advanced Protection Program is the company’s highest tier of security. It is also available to privacy-conscious users who want an extra layer of safeguarding on their devices.

To enroll, users must possess two FIDO-certified physical security keys. Once registered via Google’s dedicated portal, account access is restricted to these keys along with the user’s password, effectively eliminating the threat of unauthorized access via stolen credentials or phishing attacks.

The existing feature set includes:

Restricted app installations (only from Google Play Store)

Protection from scams and spam in Google Messages

Theft detection and offline lock functionality

New Security Features Coming with Android 16

With Android 16, Google is expanding APP to include system-level protections and advanced tools for proactive defense. Here’s what’s coming:

Device-Level Security Settings

A major shift is the integration of APP into the Android system’s core settings. This means the security program will function at the device level, not just at the Google account level — giving users broader and more consistent protection across all interactions and activities on their device.

Intrusion Logging with Secure Cloud Backup

A new Intrusion Logging feature will be added that securely backs up important device logs to the cloud. Google states these logs are stored in a privacy-preserving and tamper-resistant manner, ensuring that only the device owner can view them. This can be critical in identifying unauthorized access attempts and unusual activity.

USB Protection to Prevent Physical Attacks

To guard against hardware-based attacks, Android 16 will automatically set USB connections to charging-only mode. This eliminates the risk of malicious software being installed via USB cables, particularly in public or unfamiliar environments.

Wi-Fi Protection from Insecure Networks

Devices enrolled in APP will disable automatic reconnection to unsecured or previously compromised Wi-Fi networks. This move protects users from common attack vectors such as man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks on public hotspots.

Availability and Rollout

While Google has not shared an exact timeline for the Android 16 rollout, the company clarified that users already enrolled in the Advanced Protection Program, or those who opt in post-update, will immediately gain access to the foundational features. The new tools including USB protection and Intrusion Logging are expected to be introduced later in the year.

Conclusion

With Android 16, Google is reinforcing its commitment to user safety by significantly enhancing the Advanced Protection Program. These upgrades are especially vital in today’s digital climate, where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated. Whether you’re an at-risk individual or a privacy-conscious user, these added security layers provide unmatched peace of mind in the Android ecosystem.