Hey friends,
We are pleased to announce the release of Google’s Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) for Android 16.
Developed in partnership with the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), this guide provides a robust, expert-defined security baseline for organizations that require the highest level of security. It is an essential resource for government, defense, and security-conscious customers like FSI and Healthcare, who handle sensitive data and operate in compliance-driven environments.
What is a STIG?
A STIG is a detailed security checklist designed to “harden” an operating system.
In short, it’s a technical manual that provides prescriptive, step-by-step guidance on how to adjust default settings, disable unnecessary functions, and configure a system to protect against common vulnerabilities. By following a STIG, you proactively close the doors that cyber attackers often use to exploit systems.
Who can benefit from the STIG?
While STIG compliance is mandatory for DoD (Department of Defense) and federal agencies, its guidance represents the gold standard for security that any organisation can use to improve its security posture.
Specifically, the Android 16 STIG provides official configurations for devices deployed in Corporate-owned, business-only (COBO), and Corporate-Owned, Personally-Enabled (COPE) management modes.
The key value for your business
Adopting the Android 16 STIG goes beyond meeting a mandate, enabling several key business benefits.
- Achieve the highest security posture: The guide closes configuration weaknesses and minimizes your system’s attack surface, dramatically improving your defence against threats and enhancing system resilience.
- Ensure mandatory compliance: For federal and DoD-connected systems, STIG compliance is a non-negotiable step to meet the Risk Management Frameworks (RMF) and gain Authority to Operate (ATO).
- Unlock a standardized and efficient management framework: It provides a single, expert-defined security baseline across all your devices, which simplifies system auditing, prioritizes critical fixes (using the CAT I, II, III severity levels) and streamlines auditing and reporting.
Ready to strengthen your security?
Get everything your team needs to harden your Android devices, meet compliance mandates, and build a more resilient mobile fleet directly from the DISA repository.
➡️ Download the Google Android 16 STIG here
For those interested in federal device certification, our latest episode of The Secure Element delves into the approval process for Android devices in compliance-focused sectors.
