News
Google introduces advanced theft protection features for android devices
In a bid to combat phone theft and protect users’ sensitive data, Google on Tuesday in Lagos announced new advanced theft protection features for Android devices in Africa and around the world.
The announcement is contained in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by Mrs Oluwaseun Odufuwa, Account Manager, Irvine Partners.
The features, which are now available on most Android 10+ devices, use AI-powered theft detection, offline device lock, and enhanced security features to safeguard users’ devices and data.
“Phone theft is a serious concern in many countries across Africa, including South Africa, a situation where a phone is stolen will highlights the need for better phone theft solutions.
“Advanced theft protection features are now available to users around the world through Android 15 and a Google Play Services update on Android ten plus devices.
“Smartphone usage is on the rise in Sub-Saharan Africa, with adoption rates reaching 61 per cent in Kenya, 31 per cent in Uganda, and 24-25 per cent in Rwanda and Burundi.
“This increased uptake has been accompanied by a rise in cell-phone theft, as these devices become attractive targets for criminals due to their resale value and sensitive data within.
“This poses a significant challenge that can have serious consequences for both individuals and businesses in the region,” Odufuwa quoted Google to have stated.
According to Google, phone theft has raised a need for serious concern in Africa, in most cases of theft; the new feature will highlights solutions which it aims to achieve.
“The AI-powered theft detection feature uses on-device machine learning to detect potential theft attempts and lock the screen to prevent unauthorised access.
“The offline device lock feature protects data even when the device is offline, while the enhanced security features make it harder for thieves to access sensitive settings and data.
“According to the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) Consumer Survey 2023, 19% of mobile phone users in South Africa experienced theft or loss of their device in the past year.
“The GSMA reports millions of devices stolen every year, and the numbers continue to grow.
“With our phones becoming increasingly more valuable and central to storing sensitive data, like payment information and personal details, losing one can be an unsettling experience,” it said.
Google has also announced that it will be launching an opt-in feature called Identity Check later this year, which will require biometric authentication when accessing critical Google account and device settings.
The new features are part of Google’s efforts to provide real-world protection for Android users and make Android devices less appealing targets for thieves.
“Phone theft can be a traumatic experience, but there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk and protect personal information.
“That is why we have developed and thoroughly beta tested, a full suite of features designed to protect you and your data at every stage – before, during and after device theft.
“Theft detection lock uses powerful AI to proactively protect you at the moment of a theft attempt, by using on-device machine learning, theft detection lock is able to analyse various device signals to detect potential theft attempts.
“If the algorithm detects a potential theft attempt on your unlocked device, it locks your screen to keep thieves out, to protect your sensitive data if your phone is stolen; Theft Detection Lock uses device sensors to identify theft attempts.
“To enable the new theft protection features on your Android device, follow these steps, go to your device’s settings, scroll down and select “Security”, Select theft protection and enable the features.
The features are available on most Android 10+ devices via a Google Play Services update,” it says.
This feature is rolling out gradually to ensure compatibility with various devices, starting with Android devices that cover 90% of active users worldwide.
The statement urged Android users to always check the theft protection settings page periodically to see if the device is currently supported.
In addition to theft detection lock, Google says that the offline device lock also protects the phone.
“If thieves try to take your device offline to extract data or avoid a remote wipe via Android’s find my device the new feature will protect it.
“If an unlocked device goes offline for prolonged periods, this feature locks the screen to ensure your phone can’t be used in the hands of a thief.
“If your Android device is lost or stolen, remote lock can quickly help you secure it.
“Even if you can’t remember your Google account credentials in the moment of theft, you can use any device to visit Android.com/lock and lock your phone with just a verified phone number.
“Remote Lock secures your device while you regain access through Android’s Find My Device – which lets you secure, locate or remotely wipe your device.
“As a security best practice, we always recommend backing up your device on a continuous basis, so remotely wiping your device is not an issue,” it stated.
The statement noted that the features are now available on most Android ten plus devices via Google Play Services update and must be enabled in settings.
“Android 15 introduces new security features to deter theft before it happens by making it harder for thieves to access sensitive settings, apps, or reset your device for resale.
“Changes to sensitive settings like Find My Device now require your PIN, password, or biometric authentication.
“Multiple failed login attempts, which could be a sign that a thief is trying to guess your password, will lock down your device, preventing unauthorized access.
“Enhanced factory reset protection makes it even harder for thieves to reset your device without your Google account credentials, significantly reducing its resale value and protecting your data,” it says.
The statement disclosed that it will launch Identity Check later in the year
“An opt-in feature that will add an extra layer of protection by requiring biometric authentication when accessing critical Google account and device settings, like changing your PIN, disabling theft protection, or accessing passkeys from an untrusted location.
“This helps prevent unauthorised access even if your device PIN is compromised.
“These theft protection features are just one example of how Android is working to provide real-world protection for everyone.
“We are dedicated to working with our partners around the world to continuously improve Android security and help you and your data stay safe.
“You can turn on the new Android theft features by clicking here on a supported Android device, learn more about our theft protection features by visiting our help centre,” the state said.(NAN)
News
Anka resident commends President Tinubu, Matawalle, CDS Musa for eliminating notorious bandits leader Mati, Others
Residents of Anka Local Government Area in Zamfara State have lauded the
President Bola Tinubu, Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle,and Chief of Defence staff
General Christopher Musa,following the successful elimination of a notorious terrorist commander, Mati, and several of his fighters in a recent counter-terrorism operation backed by the Federal Government.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of Anka community, Muhammed Usman Anka, locals expressed their appreciation to the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, for his role in supporting the operation.
The mission, part of a broader strategy to tackle insecurity in the Northwest, reportedly led to the recovery of a cache of weapons and the dismantling of key terrorist infrastructure.
According to the statement, the offensive was launched under “Operation Munzo,” a government-led initiative aimed at restoring peace to Zamfara and other violence-plagued regions.
Troops began their advance from Bagega in Anka Local Government, clearing the villages of Tibuki and Sabuwar Tunga before storming the heavily fortified camp of Mati.
The battle, described as intense, culminated in a decisive victory for Nigerian forces. Mati—linked to a series of high-profile attacks, kidnappings, and banditry in the region—was neutralised alongside several of his lieutenants during the exchange of gunfire.
Among the items recovered from the terrorist enclave were one PKT machine gun with two belts of ammunition, five AK-47 rifles, twelve magazines, 487 rounds of ammunition, three Baofeng communication radios, and a set of military and police uniforms.
Troops also destroyed three motorcycles used by the militants and recovered several rustled cattle.
All communications equipment found in the camp was dismantled to disrupt future terrorist coordination.
Speaking on the success of the operation, Dr Matawalle praised the bravery and professionalism of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“Operation Munzo is part of our ongoing strategy to dismantle terrorist strongholds and restore lasting peace to Zamfara and neighbouring states,” he said.
“The days of these criminals are numbered. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued clear directives to deal decisively with terrorists and re-establish law and order nationwide.”
Dr Matawalle reaffirmed the Defence Ministry’s commitment to fully supporting the Armed Forces in their efforts to secure the region.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information.
“Operation Munzo” remains ongoing, with troops combing through forested areas to locate and eliminate remaining insurgent elements.
Niger’s military government has officially made Hausa the country’s new national language, moving away from its colonial past where French played a central role.
The change was announced in a new charter released on March 31, published in a special edition of the government’s official journal.
According to the document, “The national language is Hausa,” and “the working languages are English and French.”
Hausa is already the most commonly spoken language across Niger, especially in the Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua regions.
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Most of the country’s about 26 million people understand and speak Hausa. In comparison, only around three million people, just 13 per cent, can speak French.
The new charter also officially lists nine other local languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, as “the spoken languages of Niger.”
This language switch follows a national meeting held in February.
During that event, the military government received more support and General Abdourahamane Tiani, the junta leader, was approved to stay in power for five more years.
Since taking over in a coup in July 2023, which removed the country’s civilian president, Mohamed Bazoum, the junta has been cutting off ties with France.
These actions include removing French troops from the country, ending diplomatic relations, and changing the names of roads and buildings that used to carry French names.
Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, which also have military governments and used to be French colonies, are taking similar steps.
They’ve also withdrawn from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, a group similar to the Commonwealth that supports French-speaking nations.
Leaders of the opposition Labour Party on Wednesday marched to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Led by the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, the members were received by INEC National Commissioner, Sam Olumekun.
They asked the electoral body to recognise Nenadi Usman as the LP chairman, days after the Supreme Court set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja recognising Abure as the National Chairman of the LP.
In a unanimous judgment last week, a five-member panel of the apex court held that the Court of Appeal lacked the jurisdiction to have pronounced Abure National Chairman of the LP, having earlier found that the substance of the case was about the party’s leadership.
The court allowed the appeal filed by Senator Ester Usman, and one other and held that it was meritorious before subsequently proceeding to dismiss the cross-appeal filed by the Abure faction of the LP for being unmeritorious.
Otti read out the Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgement as delivered by Justice Inyang Okoro.
“Consequent upon the foregoing, the decisions of both higher court and the court below recognize Barrister Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the first respondent and hereby set aside and suit number FXC is hereby struck out for want of jurisdiction,” Otti said.
“In the same vein, the first respondent, that is labour party under Abure, being an offshoot of the same judgement of the court is hereby dismissed. Before I am done, may I admonish political parties and their members to endeavour to always abide by their constitutions, rules, regulations and guidelines to guide them in choosing their officers as well as candidates?
“That way, incessant internal risks which always find their way to court should be reduced. If the constitution of a political party has prescribed duration for tenure of office of an officer such as this one, such officer should be humble enough to leave at the expiration of the tenure.
“In the final analysis, I find this appeal to be meritorious and is hereby allowed. The party shall bear their respective cost, appeal allowed. This is signed by Honorable Justice John Inyang Okoro, Justice of the Supreme Court.”