Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
long story short
- Android 15 Developer Preview 2 now requires users to authenticate when they want to change USB modes.
- This means that someone with your unlocked phone cannot access your data through a computer.
Google has just released Android 15 Developer Preview 2 (DP2), and there are a lot of changes to be discovered in this version. Now, it turns out that the company has added a security measure to USB connections.
Android Police It was discovered that Android 15 DP2 now requires users to verify their identity through biometrics (such as fingerprints) or device unlock codes when changing the phone’s USB mode. Android phones allow users to switch between file transfer/Android Auto, USB tethering, MIDI, PTP or webcam options when plugged into another device such as a PC.
This authentication requirement is a handy addition because it prevents someone from accessing your files via a computer while they have your unlocked phone. For example, you might have asked someone to charge your phone from your computer, or you might have briefly given your device to a technician at a repair shop.
The outlet noted that phones with developer options enabled still have a small security flaw. More specifically, if someone enables USB debugging authorization, it’s still possible for them to obtain your data.
Still, this is a smart move by Google as it introduces another layer of security to prevent data theft. So we hope it stays in the final Android 15 stable version.