Chrome Browser Introduces Major Update to Protect Stolen Devices

Google is making efforts to better secure Android mobile devices against theft.

Google is continuing to improve the security of Android devices, and its latest update is coming to the Chrome browser. A new feature will make it much harder for thieves to steal personal information from stolen smartphones, helping address the growing problem of data theft.

This new feature builds on the theft detection system in Android 15, which locks down devices if they are accessed suspiciously. This system is meant to act quickly when a phone is lost or stolen, protecting both your data and privacy.

However, even with this protection, if someone knows your phone's PIN or password, they could still access services like email, banking apps, or cloud storage by using saved passwords. The new Chrome feature aims to fix this weakness.

Chrome's Identity Check tool will require users to confirm their identity using biometrics, like a fingerprint or facial recognition, every time they try to log into accounts or change important settings using saved passwords. This way, even if a thief unlocks your phone, they won't be able to use stored passwords to access your accounts. The tool will also stop unauthorized changes to Chrome's key settings, adding another layer of protection.

This feature also improves security during autofill. When Chrome tries to automatically fill in passwords or personal info on websites, it will ask for a biometric check first. This extra step ensures that no one can use the device to access your sensitive information, even if they physically have the phone.

The Chrome update is expected to work together with other Android security features as part of a bigger plan to keep users safe. Google has been focusing on protecting users as cyberattacks and data breaches have increased in recent years. 

There's no official release date yet for the Identity Check feature, but it's expected to roll out in future Chrome updates as Google continues to improve its security systems. This update comes at an important time, with more phone thefts and cyber threats than ever before.