Three Security Enhancements of Android Lollipop
- Security Enhanced Linux (SELinux) is a kernel module that limits what information an app can access thus limiting vulnerabilities in an app. This module existed in previous versions of Android also, but with Lollipop release it has been implemented at a much deeper core level making it significantly more effective. From Lollipop all apps will be required to enforce SELinux so the new security measures aren’t just on the OS side, developers will be made to comply with it too.
- Smart Lock Screens that unlock in the presence of paired devices will let you skip entering a passcode. Many users don’t set a password of any kind because unlocking a device is a nuisance when you check your device very often. This feature is built to take the inconvenience out of it. Your phone will be able to identify that it’s you based on other known devices that you own being nearby. The feature will probably work best if you pair the device with an Android wearable.
- The Kill Switch is both a great new addition and a legal requirement as of 2014. It has to be manually enabled on the device but once that’s done, you can use the Google Device Manager and remotely wipe your device clean.
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