Android Enterprise Unveils ‘Device Trust’ to Secure Mobile Workforces Without Sacrificing Privacy

In a world where smartphones are the new office, Android Enterprise is rewriting the rules of mobile security. With the rise of hybrid and remote work, organizations are increasingly vulnerable to breaches stemming from unsecured employee devices. Enter Device Trust from Android Enterprise — a game-changing leap in security that brings Zero Trust principles to life for every Android device, whether managed by IT or completely personal.

By integrating with security giants like CrowdStrike, Okta, and Zimperium, and delivering over 20 Android-specific signals into the tools enterprises already use, Device Trust doesn’t just monitor — it empowers real-time decisions that prevent data leaks before they happen. Whether it's stopping access to Gmail until Google Play Protect is turned on, or enabling fast, secure onboarding for contractors without device enrollment, the platform is built for the agility of today’s workforce.

To dive deeper into what makes this launch so impactful, we heard from Al Chappelle, Senior Product Manager at Android Enterprise, to explore how Device Trust is changing the game for enterprises navigating the complex balance of productivity, privacy, and security.

Why is Device Trust needed in today’s enterprise environment?  Device Trust from Android Enterprise is needed in today's business environment primarily due to the significant changes in how and where work is done, and the resulting security challenges. The modern workplace demands a robust, flexible security solution that can secure a diverse range of Android devices accessing corporate data from anywhere, aligning with the move towards Zero Trust and helping prevent data breaches in a mobile-first world. How is Device Trust from Android Enterprise different from existing mobile security approaches, particularly regarding managed vs. unmanaged devices?

A key difference is that Device Trust from Android Enterprise works across both managed and unmanaged Android devices. Unlike Mobile Device Management (MDM), which only works on managed devices, Device Trust from Android Enterprise also works on unmanaged devices, allowing businesses to secure the full spectrum of Android devices used for work. It provides consistent security insights and capabilities for any Android device, whether or not it's managed via enterprise mobility management (EMM). For unmanaged devices or environments without an EMM, it allows gaining security insights and verifying trust status through a partner security app installation, without requiring full device enrollment. How does Device Trust from Android Enterprise integrate with an organizations’ existing security infrastructure? Device Trust from Android Enterprise integrates with leading security partners. This integration is significant because it brings more than 20 Android-specific signals directly into the tools that security teams already use, such as Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) or Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) systems, Identity Provider (IdP) solutions, Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) or Mobile Threat Defense (MTD) tools, and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms. This integration helps tie Android security information into existing systems, changing the traditional siloed approach to mobile security and making it easier to set layered, robust access policies.

How does Device Trust protect employee privacy? What signals are being collected.

Ensuring strong employee privacy and a seamless employee experience is a critical consideration of Device Trust from Android Enterprise. The signals of the device (e.g. software versions & update status) and signals about the device's environment (e.g. security state of the WiFi network if in use) are non-privacy invasive. Further, by not requiring the employee and device to enroll into management, the IT admin does not gain broader visibility nor control of the device. You can learn more about the list of signals on our website. Android recently announced new security and privacy features coming in Android 16 and through automatic updates, including enhancements to AI-powered Scam Detection, Advanced Protection and beyond. Read more of our coverage here.