Google tightens workspace security by disabling "Nearby Share" in Android Work Profiles

Google tightens workspace security by disabling “Nearby Share” in Android Work Profiles،

For Android users, the Nearby Share feature is the closest thing to Apple’s Airdrop, undoubtedly the preferred method for transferring files between devices. It can be used in a variety of use cases and, until now, has been available on Android devices without restrictions other than those imposed by the network you are on.

Google strengthens workspace security by disabling "Share nearby" in Android work profiles

This isn’t surprising considering how Google typically locks down features of workspaces or business accounts due to privacy and security concerns with larger companies. This seems to be the culprit here, as I’m sure the ability to openly share corporate files between work and personal devices is frowned upon by IT security professionals.

This is even more concerning when you consider that the adoption of “Nearby Share” has now become more common, with devices such as Chromebooks (and now even Windows) supporting it. Unless work devices are completely locked down to the point that even Bluetooth is disabled or network and system administrators properly update the console and close required ports on the firewall, it can become extremely difficult to monitor or to prevent employees from sharing files with each other. the other, with themselves, or worse, with the outside world.

Google’s solution is simple: Nearby Sharing is part of Google Play Services, so let’s just turn it off on business profiles and that will ensure it doesn’t appear as an option in that profile. It is, at least in theory, a simple but effective solution to a complex problem. Only time will tell if this will be just as effective in real-world situations.

The changes began rolling out with Google Play Services version 23.41 on October 18. Google has not provided any information on why the change was made. It is therefore unclear whether an option will be available to bypass these restrictions, other than simply uninstalling the work profile.