Here’s what the Google Pixel Binary Transparency is all about
Google released a new feature for Google Pixel phones, the Google Pixel Binary Transparency. It’s a security feature that assures Google Pixel users that their data hasn’t been compromised. There’s more, however, to the Google Pixel Binary Transparency as regards how it works – let’s take a look.
What to know about the Google Pixel Binary Transparency
The Google Pixel Binary Transparency is a new security feature designed to provide Pixel users with assurance that their data has not been compromised. It works in conjunction with Android Verified Boot, which already ensures that every code run on Pixel phones comes from the OEM and provides rollback protection.
To combat supply chain assaults, which target systems to insert backdoors into the code and steal customer data, Google inspects factory images to ensure no backdoors exist. Verified Boot then verifies that the device is using the audited code officially released by Google.
With Pixel Binary Transparency, users can now personally confirm that the image running on their device is the official factory image, ensuring that attackers have not tampered with the source code, build process, or release aspects of the software supply chain. This feature allows users to “mathematically prove” that their Pixel 6+, Tablet, or Fold devices are running unmodified factory images using a public cryptographic log.
The process involves extracting metadata from the phone and running inclusion and consistency proofs to compare against the cryptographically guaranteed append-only log, known as the Merkle tree. This log cannot be modified or deleted, providing an additional layer of security and assurance.
Google intends to further expand Pixel Binary Transparency in the future, adding more security checks for a device’s other executed code beyond its factory image. This feature is primarily aimed at users who seek additional reassurance, as Android Verified Boot already offers a user-friendly alternative and warning if any issues arise.
With these security measures in place, Google aims to enhance the confidence and trust of its Pixel users, providing them with a secure and reliable experience on their devices.
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