Securing individual applications on Android devices involves implementing measures that restrict unauthorized access. This can be achieved through various methods, including native operating system features, third-party applications, and device management tools. For instance, a user might wish to protect sensitive applications like banking apps or personal photo galleries from being opened by someone who has access to the unlocked device.
The ability to restrict access to particular applications enhances privacy and security. It protects sensitive data from unauthorized viewing or modification, reduces the risk of identity theft, and provides an additional layer of security in case the device is lost or stolen. Historically, users have relied on built-in Android security features, but increasingly sophisticated threats have led to a greater demand for granular application-level access control.