Android is known in the corporate environment for its flexibility, broad device support, and the continuous evolution of its security and management functions. With the release of Android 15 in October 2024, Google has once again raised the bar to meet growing demands in terms of data protection, compliance, and scalability. However, since many manufacturers roll out updates with a delay, many Android devices won’t receive this updated version until early 2025.
Especially in scenarios like BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) and COPE (Corporate-Owned, Personally Enabled), new security and productivity features play a crucial role. This is exactly where the innovations in Android 15 come into play, offering significant benefits for both end-users and IT administrators alike.
Enhanced Protection for Employees and Devices
AI-Powered Theft Protection
With the Android 15 update, Google strengthens the protection of corporate devices and makes it much more difficult for thieves to compromise or resell a stolen work device.
- Automatic Locking in Case of Sudden Theft
A key element is the new theft lock screen, which uses artificial intelligence to detect when a device is forcibly taken or suddenly removed from its rightful owner. As soon as the system registers such an event (e.g., having the device suddenly snatched out of someone’s hand), it immediately locks the device before the thief can change settings or access data.
- Tamper Protection for Security Options
If someone tries to disable essential security features like “Find My Device” or remove the SIM card, Android 15 requires additional verification via a PIN or password. If multiple attempts fail, the device is preemptively locked entirely. Even if the perpetrator takes the device offline, perhaps to prevent remote data deletion or location tracking, the Auto-Lock (Offline Device Lock) feature takes effect.
For businesses, this AI-powered theft protection provides an even higher level of security for corporate data. Combined with an MDM system such as Cortado MDM, the device can also be locked or wiped remotely in an emergency, preventing data loss.
Confidential Profile for Private Content
Another key Android 15 innovation is the confidential profile, which acts as a separate, digital vault on the smartphone. This is where users can store sensitive apps and information, such as health or financial apps.
- Separate Security and Complete Concealment
The confidential profile is protected by its own PIN, password, or biometric methods. As long as this protected area is locked, all apps and data within remain invisible. They do not appear in the regular app drawer, in notifications, or in the list of recently used apps. Only after a second authentication round do these contents become visible and usable.
- More Privacy Without Sacrificing Security
Especially in BYOD or COPE scenarios, it’s crucial that employees feel not only corporate data is protected but also their personal data. Thanks to this new layer of protection, personal apps and data can be shielded more effectively without compromising corporate security. While the business part of the device continues to be managed in the work profile according to policies, employees can protect their sensitive personal data in the confidential area. Conversely, companies retain full control and can, if necessary, disable this additional layer of privacy protection entirely. With Android 15, trust in shared device usage has increased significantly.
NIAP Compliance
Android 15 continues to meet the stringent NIAP (National Information Assurance Partnership) security requirements, making the operating system particularly suitable for industries with high security standards – such as government agencies, the military, healthcare, or the financial sector. Companies benefit from a continuously updated security architecture that stays state-of-the-art thanks to regular updates and patches.
Real-Time Malware Protection
Android 15 offers enhanced Google Play Protect features for added malware defense. Locally running AI detects unusual app behavior and warns of potentially harmful activities (“live threat detection”). To protect user privacy, the analysis takes place in an isolated private compute core (PCC) that is separate from the rest of the system and operates without internet access. Only devices with such a separate core, for example, Pixel smartphones or certain models from other manufacturers, can fully utilize this malware protection.
Easier Management of Corporate Devices
- “Circle to Search” in the Work Profile: “Circle to Search” allows quick searching of images, videos, or text in a gallery app, on the web, or on social media without needing to switch applications. On fully managed devices or in a work profile, however, administrators can block this feature if it conflicts with corporate guidelines.
- Predefining OEM Standard Apps: In COPE scenarios, IT teams can enforce the device manufacturer’s standard apps for calls, messages, and browsing in the private profile of corporate devices, preventing employees from changing them. This results in a controlled yet user-friendly private space on a corporate-owned device.
Cortado MDM: Increased Security and Easy Administration
With Cortado MDM, you can best integrate Android 15’s new features into your IT infrastructure. The solution allows centralized control of all security and management settings. Thanks to comprehensive policy management, automatic app deployment, and detailed reporting, you’ll benefit from streamlined administration of your Android fleet. In this way, Cortado MDM not only ensures the highest possible protection of sensitive corporate data, but also makes everyday work in your IT department easier through efficient automation and clear compliance requirements.
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