Android Security 2025: The Most Important Security Features for Businesses

Android offers powerful security features to protect businesses from modern threats. Learn about the security mechanisms provided by Google and discover best practices for securing your fleet of Android devices.

Mobile devices are more critical than ever in today’s business environment, but at the same time, cyber threats are rising rapidly. Smartphones, in particular, have become prime targets for attacks. According to a recent survey by Omdia, phishing attacks pose the biggest security risk for smartphone users. 24% of respondents reported being victims of such attacks.

As the world’s most widely used mobile operating system, Android has made significant strides in security in recent years. Google follows a strict Zero-Trust approach, ensuring that every app, device, and network connection must continuously authenticate itself and prove its security.

The Android Security Paper 2024, published by Google in October last year, provides a detailed overview of Android’s proven and new security mechanisms and how data is effectively protected.

This blog post highlights the most important security features from the whitepaper, focusing on their relevance for businesses. You’ll learn how Android safeguards corporate data, secures apps, and defends against threats. We also cover new security features introduced in 2024 and provide practical solutions for maximizing Android’s security benefits in your business.

Key Android Security Features at a Glance

Android uses a multi-layered security approach that protects devices, the operating system, apps, and user data at different levels. Here’s an overview of the core security features that make Android an attractive choice for businesses.

Data Protection & Encryption

Android protects sensitive business data through strong encryption and strict data separation.

Since Android 7, device-wide encryption (now known as file-based encryption) has been enabled by default. All data on the device can only be decrypted using a device PIN, password, or fingerprint, ensuring that confidential information remains secure even if the device is lost.

Additionally, private and work data are kept strictly separate: The work profile allows employees to isolate personal apps and data from corporate applications. Business data stays within the secure workspace and cannot be accessed outside of it, making it easier to comply with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR).

Numerous privacy features give users full control over their information – from granular permission requests (e.g., for location or camera access) to indicators showing when the microphone or camera is active.

In short: Android ensures that data remains secure and only accessible to authorized users.

App Security & Google Play Protect

Every Android app runs in its own sandbox, isolated from the rest of the system. This app sandbox prevents malicious or faulty apps from compromising other apps or the operating system. Access to critical resources requires explicit permissions, which must be approved by users or administrators.

With Google Play Protect, Android provides always-on malware protection: All apps from the Play Store are automatically scanned for malware before installation. Play Protect also continuously scans installed apps on the device and alerts users to potential threats.

Google’s AI and cloud services analyze billions of apps daily for suspicious behavior – performing over 100 billion app scans per day, according to Google – allowing for early detection of new malware threats.

Additionally, a mandatory app-signing system ensures that apps cannot be tampered with every app installation is cryptographically verified. Most recently, Android has introduced a block on app installations that target outdated Android versions, preventing attackers from exploiting vulnerabilities in older software.

Protection Against Mobile Threats

Android offers a range of mechanisms to protect devices from malware, phishing, and unauthorized access.

Verified Boot performs a cryptographic check when the device powers on to ensure the operating system has not been altered and is verified by the manufacturer. If tampering is detected, the system prevents the device from starting. This secure boot chain is anchored in a hardware Root of Trust (such as the Titan-M security chip in many devices), ensuring the device’s integrity.

SafetyNet and the Play Integrity API continuously monitor device integrity, detecting whether a device has been rooted or compromised and alerting apps or management systems that can take action.

Regular security updates patch known vulnerabilities: Google releases monthly Android security updates to quickly fix critical security flaws. Thanks to Google Play System Updates (a modular update system), many security-critical components can be updated directly via the Play Store, eliminating the need to wait for full OS updates – keeping devices secure between major updates.

Google Safe Browsing protects users while browsing: In Chrome and WebView apps, it warns against known phishing and malware sites before they load. Overall, Android relies on proactive threat protection, running continuously in the background to safeguard users and businesses approach that continuously monitors threats in the background.

Enterprise Management & Compliance

Android offers a comprehensive set of management features to help businesses secure devices and enforce policies. With a Mobile Device Management (MDM) system, such as Cortado Mobile Solutions, IT administrators can centrally define password policies (e.g., minimum length, fingerprint authentication), perform remote lock & wipe in case of device loss, or control app access through allowlists and blocklists.

Business-critical apps can only be installed from trusted sources (such as the Managed Google Play Store), reducing the risk of shadow IT. Admins can also enable or disable hardware features like cameras, USB, or Bluetooth to prevent misuse.

Compliance enforcement is also simplified: Using MDM tools, IT can check whether all devices have the latest security updates installed, ensure that devices are encrypted and not rooted, and enforce conditional access so that only compliant devices can access corporate data.

Extensive audit logs track security-relevant events, allowing businesses to investigate incidents and maintain compliance. Android and Mobile Device Management provide the necessary tools to securely and compliantly manage an entire mobile fleet.

For a deeper dive into Android Enterprise and its business benefits, read our article Everything You Need to Know About Android Enterprise.

Android 14 & 15: These New Security Features Strengthen Your Data Protection

Every new Android release brings security improvements. Android 14 (October 2023) and Android 15 (October 2024) introduce major updates to protect data, apps, and devices.

Android 14: Security Updates and Features

• Stronger device protection through PIN: Android 14 has increased the security requirements for screen locks – instead of a 4-digit PIN, a 6-digit PIN is now recommended by default for unlocking. This simple change enhances entropy, meaning the randomness and complexity of the PIN, making it significantly harder for attackers to crack. Businesses should take advantage of this improvement and require longer PINs or passwords on all devices.
• Disabling insecure 2G networks: For the first time, Android 14 allows administrators to disable 2G network support on devices. Older 2G networks are considered insecure because they are easily intercepted and vulnerable to Man-in-the-Middle attacks. By disabling 2G (when not needed for connectivity), companies can prevent eavesdropping attempts via outdated network standards. This feature is especially beneficial for industries with high security requirements.
• Improved credential management: Android 14 introduces the Credential Manager, a centralized API for managing passwords, passkeys, and login credentials. For enterprise use, this means IT can better control how users authenticate to apps. Passkeys (passwordless logins) can be deployed and supported across the company. Additionally, Android 14 provides enhanced control options for work profiles and fully managed devices, allowing admins to oversee stored credentials without compromising user experience.
• Stricter app installation behavior: Android 14 takes another step toward blocking insecure apps. Apps developed for very old API levels (Android 5.1 and older) can no longer be installed on modern devices. This mechanism prevents malware from exploiting outdated Android versions as security loopholes. For businesses, this means that Android 14 devices are automatically better protected against legacy, potentially unsafe software.

Android 15: Security Updates and Features

• AI-Powered Theft Protection: Android 15 introduces advanced anti-theft features to better protect corporate devices from unauthorized access. These enhancements make it significantly harder for thieves to compromise or resell a stolen work device.
  • One of the key improvements is Theft Detection Lock, which uses artificial intelligence to detect when a phone is forcibly taken (e.g., snatched from a user’s hand) and quickly moved away from its owner. In such cases, the device automatically locks itself immediately, preventing the thief from accessing it.
  • Additionally, Android 15 prevents attackers from tampering with critical security settings. If someone tries to remove the SIM card or disable “Find My Device”, authentication via PIN or password is now required. Multiple failed unlock attempts or unauthorized setting changes trigger a full device lock as a precaution. Even if the thief takes the device offline, Android automatically enforces a lock, preventing data extraction without a network connection.
• Private Space: Android 15 introduces Private Space, a locked-off section on the device that functions like a digital vault. Employees can store sensitive apps and data, such as personal health or banking apps, keeping them protected from unauthorized access.
  • The Private Space is separately secured with PIN, password, or biometrics and can even be completely hidden. While locked, apps within this space remain invisible – they do not appear in the regular app menu, notifications, or recent app lists. They only become accessible after additional authentication.
  • For businesses using Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) or COPE (Corporate-Owned, Personally Enabled) setups, this feature offers a major advantage: Employees can keep personal apps and data secure without IT having access to them.
  • This way, Android 15 enhances user privacy without compromising corporate security – business data remains isolated in the work profile, while personal apps are safely stored in the Private Space.
• AI-Driven IT Admin Support: Google is integrating AI not only into end-user security but also into IT management and device administration with Android 15.
  • For the first time, Android introduces AI-powered management features for admins. These can include smart security policy recommendations and automated routine tasks.
    For example, the system could detect anomalies in the device fleet (such as unusual user behavior or emerging threats) and proactively suggest security measures to IT admins.
  • AI could also assist in configuration by recommending settings that improve security without compromising user experience. While AI-driven IT management is still in its early stages, it signals a shift towards smarter, more efficient administration, allowing IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives while automated security measures handle the basics.
• System Hardening: Many of Android 15’s security improvements happen behind the scenes, making the system more resistant to attacks.
  • Android 15 places a strong emphasis on memory safety and reducing OS vulnerabilities. The proportion of memory-safe programming languages (such as Rust) in Android’s core code has been increased, and additional security checks (sanitizers) have been implemented. Memory-related issues – one of the most common sources of exploits and hacks – will now be significantly less frequent. For businesses, this means fewer potential zero-day vulnerabilities and more stable devices.
  • Additionally, certifications and security standards remain a priority – Android 15 continues to meet strict regulatory requirements (e.g., NIAP/Common Criteria), making it suitable for deployment in high-security industries.
  • Beyond these core improvements, Android 15 includes many other security and privacy updates, such as: Improved passkey support for faster, passwordless logins. Stronger OTP (one-time password) protection, preventing apps from reading sensitive authentication codes.
    All these updates make Android an even more secure and user-friendly platform for businesses, strengthening mobile security while maintaining ease of use.

Best Practices for Maximizing Android Security in Your Business

The best security features are only effective if they are properly enabled and implemented. By following these proven measures, businesses can maximize Android’s security capabilities and protect their entire device fleet.

1. Staying up to date: Ensure that all Android devices receive the latest security updates promptly. Whenever possible, use Android Enterprise Recommended devices, as they receive regular patches. Schedule updates via your MDM system and review compliance reports to prevent outdated software from becoming a security risk.
2. Using Mobile Device Management (MDM): Deploy a professional, Android-specialized MDM solution like Cortado to centrally enforce security policies. Define PIN or password requirements (e.g., 6-digit, alphanumeric), enforce device encryption, and remotely lock or wipe lost devices. MDM also allows you to manage app distribution and restrictions, preventing unauthorized applications from being installed. A centralized management system enhances security while simplifying administration.
3. Leveraging Android Enterprise profiles via MDM: Take advantage of Android’s built-in container solutions. For Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) setups, activate the work profile to separate corporate data from personal user data. On COPE (Corporate-Owned, Personally Enabled) devices, you can implement a Private Space to keep personal apps secure. This strict separation ensures that corporate data is protected while also respecting employee privacy. Train employees on how to switch between work and personal apps effectively.
4. Allowing only trusted apps: Reduce the risk of malware by restricting installations to verified app sources. Disable sideloading on corporate devices whenever possible. Use the Managed Google Play Store to distribute business-critical apps, ensuring that all applications have been verified by Google. Additionally, you can enforce app allowlists via MDM, ensuring that only approved applications can be installed. This prevents malware infections and eliminates unnecessary bloatware.
5. Keeping Google Play Protect enabled: Ensure that Google Play Protect remains active on all company devices (enabled by default). This service runs in the background, continuously scanning apps for threats. As an admin, you can prevent users from disabling Play Protect through device settings or MDM policies. Play Protect adds an extra layer of security with minimal effort.
6. Utilizing network and communication security: Activate secure network options on corporate devices. For high-security environments, consider disabling 2G networks (available since Android 14) and allowing only secure 4G/5G connections. Set up VPN connections for employees working remotely, ensuring encrypted access to company resources. You can also enforce policies that prevent devices from connecting to untrusted Wi-Fi networks, significantly reducing the attack surface.
7. Implementing strong authentication: Take advantage of multi-factor authentication (MFA) on Android devices. Combining something users know (PIN/password), something they have (device/security key), and something they are (biometrics like fingerprint or facial recognition) significantly enhances security. Enable biometric authentication where appropriate, and enforce two-factor authentication for critical enterprise apps. Passkeys (passwordless authentication) offer a modern, phishing-resistant login method that businesses should consider.
8. Regularly auditing device inventory and security compliance: Maintain full visibility over your device landscape using tools like Cortado’s Mobile Asset Manager. Regularly check device compliance status in your admin dashboard: Are security policies being followed? Are there devices with detected vulnerabilities (e.g., rooted devices, missing encryption)? Use Android’s audit logs and your MDM system to detect suspicious activities early. If a device is flagged as non-compliant, take immediate action, such as restricting access or notifying the user.
9. Training and educating employees: Technology alone is not enough – engage employees in the security strategy. Train your team on safe Android usage, including how to recognize phishing attempts, avoid unknown app installations, and ensure timely software updates. Reinforce the idea that IT security is a team effort. Well-informed employees are less likely to become security risks and help IT teams protect company data effectively.

By following these best practices, businesses can fully leverage Android’s security features and establish a robust mobile security strategy that protects both devices and corporate data.

Conclusion: Secure Your Android Devices Now

With its comprehensive security features, Android is a reliable choice for businesses of all sizes. From device protection and data security to app safety, the platform provides all the essential building blocks to effectively safeguard mobile devices against modern threats.

However, the key to strong security lies in how IT teams leverage these capabilities and integrate them into their security strategies. By combining Android’s built-in security features, clear policies, employee training, and a powerful Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution, businesses can establish a Zero-Trust environment, where every device and app is continuously verified and secured.

Both Android and Cortado’s MDM system continue to evolve, introducing innovative security solutions to counter emerging threats. For businesses, this means an increasingly secure yet user-friendly platform. Take advantage of these tools to elevate your mobile security to the next level.