How Nougat is different from earlier Android versions in terms of security?
Google shared information about new security features in mobile OS update, Android 7.0 Nougat, including streamlined software updates, faster direct boot and enhanced integration with corporate directions.
Google provided a top-level new security and management tools in Android Nought and Android for work.Nougat has some of the most notable security improvements for Android users and IT administrators.
Android Nougat platform security enhancements
Direct boot-faster access to basic functions
Booting an encrypted Android handset has been a slow, in which the user enters a PIN code to unlock the access during the boot process, which is later followed by a unlock code.Then only the phone is ready to use. In this the drawback was that the access to apps was all.
Android Nought quickens access to basic functions such as alarm clock and phone, by distinguishing storage into two areas ‘device protected storage’ and ‘credential protected storage’. An app created to use the ‘device protected storage’can make available some of the core functions quickly without the use of PIN. But apps accessing credential storage require the decryption PIN as basic requirement.
And hardware-backed encryption keys are required for all new Android phones that run Nougat.
App security and abuse prevention
According to Google, apps developed for previous Android versions are allowed for easily sharing user permissions with other apps.In Nougat, the company cracked down on permission sharing between apps. And also in Android Nougat, apps with device admin permissions can prevent users from uninstalling the apps that are no longer locked out of their devices or users, and PIN, passwords can be changed.
Seamless Android updates
When Nougat software updates are available for new phones, then users could choose to download and install apps in a separate on device partition, so during the process they don’t need to stop using their phones or tablets. When they next time reboot their phones, the new software will automatically install more quickly than in the past. Only new mobile will have access to this feature.
Google removed ‘app optimization’ step of the Android upgrade process, so new OS patch is applied then Nougat devices will not be useless for 10 minutes or more, while apps optimize for the changes.
Android Nougat 7.0 corporate security enhancements
Google didn’t give many specifics about the security features in Nougat, but it offers a glimpse of some of the most interesting improvements.
Nougat's " never VPN '
An improved ‘always VPN’ feature, IT force can use a VPN to connect the web to some business applications. If it is not available or can’t connect to VPN, the apps don’t share any data.
Android ' work security challenge'
A ‘work security challenge’ feature allows IT to set separate, complex passwords to protect particular work data, and using Android profile, users can have simple PIN or codes to access their personal data.IT can set restriction that lock certain apps, and admins can choose to use the login screen which can be different so users visually know when they log into the corporate services.
Work mode in Nougat
A new “workmode” dropdown menu on Android Nougat looks like a briefcase icon,which allows users to disable apps related to work after hours.
Nougat phone and dialer tweaks
According to Google, in Android Nougat dialer components integrate with directories and corporate systems, so users can search both work and contact lists from one place. Call logs can be separated into personal lists and business. If a business person receives a call from someone in their work directory, their caller id set by admins notify them that the call is likely work related.
QR code provisioning in Nougat
A new Nougat feature allows IT admins to provision devices that are not compatible for NFC "Android bump" feature, using a QR code.
New remote bug reports and process logging
Nought give admins more options to request remote bug report through Android remote diagnostic tools, in many cases, users must approve request for access to potentially sensitive information.
Want to Develop Your Own App to Manage Business Tasks with high security?
If you want to develop an app for planning and managing business tasks with security, FuGenX will help you. FuGenX Technologies is a leading Mobile apps development company Singapore offering services across USA, UK, Canada, India, Middle East and other major countries. FuGenX is also an emerging iPhone apps development company Singapore.
Reach FuGenX at fugenx.com for world-class high security mobile app development services.
And also read: Google I/O 2016: The key announcements