When Android 4.2 came out we all raved with excitement. Now that it has been released to certain parties we are finding out even more goodies about the newly updated Jelly Bean! The newest? Android 4.2 has come with stronger security features and they are built right in, and I’m here to give you a breakdown of what it entails 😉
Jelly Bean’s App Scanner
It would appear that now when you install an app from the Google Play Store it gets scanned for any malware or “malicious code.” Now, even though there is now way to protect from every attack, this is definitely a foot in the right direction. If something malicious is detected, it won’t allow you to install the app. Pretty nifty hey?
Google released the following statements regarding their stance on security:
“We view security as a universal thing. Assuming the user wants this additional insurance policy, we felt like we shouldn’t exclude one source over another.”
“We have a catalog of 700,000 applications in the Play Store, and beyond that, we’re always scanning stuff on the Web in terms of APKs that are appearing. We have a pretty good understanding of the app ecosystem now, whether something’s in the Play Store or not.”
“The server does all the hard work. The device sends only a signature of the APK so that the server can identify it rapidly.”
Google seems to have the right frame of mind here, and I’m liking the direction they are heading!
Malware through Text
This feature will allow users to be prompted when they are about to send a text message. What does it prompt them about? It identifies if they number they are texting is called “premium number,” thus allowing the user to cancel the text if they wish. This could save you some money in the long run! If you’re wondering how, this is the scenario. An app you installed contains malware, the malware then “secretly” sends (without you knowing) “costly” text messages to “short numbers.”
New App Permissions
You can’t have new security features without getting an updated app permissions. Yes, that is right! This new and improved featured will now allow you to monitor the apps you install. Pretty neat feature hey? Gives a user’s a bigger sense of control I would think. As you can see from the images below, it gives you an idea of what Android 4.1 consisted of, and then what Android 4.2 will bring to the table.
How do you feel about the new security features of Android 4.2? Is it something you will look forward to? Or do you think its feature that will be neglected and not used?
Sources: Android Authority