Android Auto-Reboot Security Feature: Phones Reboot After 3 Days

Android's New Automatic Reboot Feature

Android, Google’s mobile operating system, will now initiate an automatic reboot if the device remains locked for a continuous period of three days.

The technology company released updates to Google Play services on Monday. This core component of Android delivers essential functionalities for both applications and the operating system itself.

Enhanced Security Measures

Within the “Security & Privacy” section of the update, a new security feature has been implemented. This feature is designed to automatically restart the device if it is locked for three days consecutively.

This functionality mirrors a similar feature that Apple introduced for iOS last year. The primary rationale behind this automatic reboot after prolonged inactivity is to increase the difficulty for individuals attempting to gain unauthorized access to a phone or extract its data.

Protecting Data Through Encryption

Consider, for instance, law enforcement agencies utilizing forensic analysis tools, such as those developed by Cellebrite or Magnet Forensics.

Prior to a phone being powered on and unlocked, the data stored within is fully encrypted. This encryption makes it significantly more challenging to access the information without the user’s correct passcode. This secure state is referred to as “Before First Unlock.”

Once the device is unlocked, certain data undergoes decryption. This decrypted data becomes potentially vulnerable to access through methods like passcode brute-forcing or exploitation of security vulnerabilities.

This is the general approach employed by law enforcement forensic devices, operating within the “After First Unlock” state.

Google's Response

A request for comment regarding the motivation behind this new feature was directed to Google. However, as of this time, Google has not provided a response.