From a security perspective, rooting Android is generally not considered safe.
Rooting your Android device provides deep access to the operating system, which bypasses standard security measures.
Why Rooting Affects Safety
Based on information from Google:
- If you installed a modified (rooted) version of Android on your device, you lose some of the security protection provided by Google.
This loss of built-in security layers is a significant concern.
Key Security Risks Associated with Rooting
When an Android device is rooted, several security safeguards are weakened or disabled:
- Reduced System Integrity: Rooting allows apps and users to access system files and functions that are normally restricted, making the device more vulnerable to malware and unauthorized changes.
- Compromised Google Play Protect: While not explicitly detailed in the provided reference, rooting can interfere with security services like Google Play Protect, which scans apps for harmful behavior.
- Impact on Advanced Protection Program: It is important to note that If you signed up for the Advanced Protection Program, using a modified version of Android can compromise Advanced Protection's security features. This means the enhanced protections for high-risk accounts are undermined.
By removing standard security controls, a rooted device is more susceptible to malicious software gaining unrestricted access to sensitive data and system functions.
