Google Security & Privacy

Protecting users across Google products

Security features across Google products: Play Store, Files, Security Centre, Advanced Protection, and Find My Device.

New Google Play Privacy Policy

Google launch a business-critical feature, Privacy Alert, at the start of 2019 along with the new Google Play policy. It helped Google build a strong user perception that Google considers its users' privacy of the utmost import.

At the Google I/O 2019, Play Protect was introduced to millions of users; the Media coverage highlighted Google as leading the tech industry by introducing security features to protect users' security.

UX / UI / User Research / Prototype / Specs / Implementation support / QA

Play Store card

When Play Protect is turned off, the device is at its most vulnerable state; Play Protect can't scan the device or block app installs from untrusted sources.

This new feature decreased the number of users who had Play Protect off by 10% through new features in the Play Store, working with other cybersecurity professionals who deep-dived into why the users had Play Protect off.

UX / UI / Prototype / Specs / Implementation support

Google Files

Some users have minimal device storage in different parts of the world. Therefore, users frequently use file management apps like Google Files. One of the most common ways to get malware is by sharing files.

I worked on the Play Protect cards, which enabled the user to turn on Play Protect and uninstall malware quickly from the Files app.

UX / UI / Prototype / Specs / Implementation support

Security centre under Google account

Auditing across all Play Protect surfaces highlighted the opportunity to sync the device status with the Google Account.

Today, the user can check device security, turn on Play Protect, and resolve threats via Security Check-up.

Advanced Protection Program

The Advanced Protection Programme safeguards users with high visibility and sensitive information at risk of targeted online attacks. 

Delivered some security features that provide extra protection from harmful downloads.

UX / UI / Prototype / Specs / Implementation support / QA

Find My Device

Mobile has become essential to our lives; losing a phone is one of today's biggest security concerns. Find My Device helps users locate lost devices and accessories, lock an account, and erase the devices. 

I conducted an audit summarising the current Find My Device services and highlighted opportunities. My audit helped create a unified experience across Google Assistant, Smartwatches, smartphones, tablets, web apps, Google search box, and Find Your Phone (Google Account). 

I worked with the Wear OS team to enhance the current capabilities and user experience.

Designing for everyone

Every user uses the device in different ways. Especially in developing countries, their living environment and everyday lifestyle are very different from what we are familiar with. 

Having one or two devices for yourself is a luxury; the whole family sharing one device without password protection is standard. Having a mobile connection to the network can be very costly, and some users might not have constant access to the internet. 

It is crucial to design the product for everyone, understanding cultural differences and the environment, even offline.

Research

There is a perception that Apple devices are safer than Android. I helped Google to challenge that perception by working with other cybersecurity professionals and researchers through various Google products.

We wanted to understand what privacy and security meant to the users so that we could take us further. We conducted face-to-face research on foundational privacy and security. 

We also acquired tremendous knowledge from Cybersecurity professionals about the latest industry trends, different types of malware, and what hackers are trying to do.

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