Google Pixel 4: First security problems with the face unlock!
Shortly after the official arrival of the market, the new smartphones from Google, Pixel 4 and 4 XL, already have some problems with facial unlocking. Fortunately, nothing that cannot be updated via software.
The official announcement of the new Google smartphones and the first security issues have arrived; the Mountain View company has always postponed the implementation of a face release via the front camera for security reasons and now that the new Pixels 4 have added a special component to make this 3D unlocking technology safe, the first problems have arrived in this area.
The BBC has revealed a worrying aspect to the privacy of the device: the unlocking of Google’s face works even if the eyes are completely closed. A Google page on facial unlocking itself directly confirms the problem:
” Your phone can also be unlocked by someone else if it is facing your face, even if your eyes are closed. Keep the phone in a safe place, such as the front pocket or handbag, even at night as the release would work even if you sleep. “
Unlike the Pixel, the technology implemented on the iPhone, the Face ID, does not allow unlocking with closed eyes, but requires constant attention. The Cupertino company considers this as an additional security measure, but that can be deactivated in the settings if the user considers it necessary.
On Google Pixel 4 at the moment, there is no such option, but in the various leaks that came out before the presentation we find this image in which there is the entry in the menu of the face unlock. This confirms that Google is aware of this and is already working to resolve the security problem.
According to Fox, the function is not present on the Pixel 4 software that will be released to the public in a few weeks. The Verge contacted a Google spokesman who said this: ” We have nothing specific to announce about future features or timing, but like most of our products, this feature is designed to improve over time with future updates. of the software “.
Despite these words it is clear that Google is preparing an update that will ensure future users of the new Google Pixel 4, but we do not know the timing. To increase security, it is possible to implement a Lockdown button which will appear in addition to the usual ” Switch off ” and ” Restart ” buttons while holding down the power button. This function disables the face unlock in the next unlock, forcing a PIN to be unlocked.
To enable the button you will need to follow these steps :
- Open the Settings
- Select Display.
- Expand the ” Advanced ” menu at the bottom
- Tap ” Lock screen
- ” Enable ” Show lock options “
In addition to disabling facial unlocking, the lock also disables the smart lock (via Bluetooth devices) and hides notifications from the lock screen.
