Google Pixel 3 has its own data center security chip 'Titan M', securing the best smart security with soft & hard

Google's new smartphone "Pixel 3" has a custom chip exclusive to Google called " Titan M ". With Titan M, which has strong security at the enterprise level, Google says it keeps the security of smartphones strong.

Titan M makes Pixel 3 our most secure phone yet
https://www.blog.google/products/pixel/titan-m-makes-pixel-3-our-most-secure-phone-yet/

Google's Pixel series is committed to providing the latest Android OS, and security updates are provided monthly, so that the highest safety in Android terminal is guaranteed on software side. In order to ensure the highest security level with smartphones not only on software but also on hardware, Google has a custom chip called "Titan M" on Pixel 3.

The functions of Titan M are as follows.

◆ Boot loader protection
A security risk is known that hacking the bootloader of the program that launches the OS (Android) downgrades to an older version OS that is vulnerable to an attacker. Titan M will confirm that the proper Android is running by saving the safe Android final version information. Furthermore, it prevents the movement of unlocking the boot loader.

◆ Protection of lock screen
Pixel 3 uses Titan M to monitor the passcode process of the lock screen. Restricting the number of logon attempts prevents brute force attacks by guessing and canceling passcodes, making it difficult for unlocking by third parties.

In addition, Google says that Titan M's data is encrypted and memory is independent, making it difficult for an attacker to decipher the lock screen validation process.

◆ Third party application protection
Because Titan M can store the secret key of " StrongBox KeyStore API " available with Android 9 Pie in the chip, using the StrongBox KeyStore API can also enhance the security of third party applications.

Also, Titan M also supports Android 9 Pie's " Protected Confirmation ", so you can check for malware interference on transactions. This makes mobile payment service using Android terminal even more secure.

◆ Firmware update protection
Titan M is designed to comply with Insider Attack Resistance . Therefore, pass code lock is applied to the firmware, and it is impossible to update the firmware unless you enter the correct passcode. This prevents the act of updating to malicious firmware by bypassing the lock.

As mentioned above, Google has introduced the Titan M system in Pixel 3 & Pixel 3 XL, making it possible to use the security function at the same time as release. Pixel 3 is likely to be an Android terminal with the best security on both sides of hardware & software.

However, core Android users are worried that functions such as boot loader locking may also be a function of restricting users' custom ROM usage.