Artificial Intelligence Enhancement by Google for Fraud Prevention

Artificial Intelligence Enhancement by Google for Fraud Prevention

Cyber Criminals on the Hunt, but Goog's Got Your Back

Staying secure in today's digital landscape can be a challenge, even for those who take every precaution. Hackers and scammers are constantly evolving their strategies, so it's essential to stay one step ahead. Google's here to lend a hand, announcing a slew of new security features designed to help Android users keep their information safe. These jaw-dropping enhancements were featured during "The Android Show: I/O Edition," paving the way for the Google I/O event starting May 20. Check out what's about to land on your Android device!

Pumping Up the Scam Defense

Google's already rolled out AI-powered real-time scam detection, which warns users when suspicious patterns indicate fraud in Google Messages and Phone by Google. Now, this feature is expanding to cover a wider range of scams, ranging from package delivery and job seeking scams to tech support and financial impersonation scams. Oh, and don't forget about crypto scams, billing fee scams, gift card and prize scams—Google's got 'em all covered[1].

What's more, Google's boosting in-call protection, prohibiting actions that could potentially put your data at risk or make room for malware during non-contact calls[1]. In addition, a notification will pop up to halt screen sharing at the call's end. As for Android devices running Android 6+, they'll have the convenience of Google Play Protect's in-call protections. For sideloading apps and granting accessibility permissions, Android 16 users will benefit[2]. Banking apps on Android 11+ devices will soon get protection against impersonation scams, with a heads-up for users if they launch a participating banking app while screen sharing with a stranger[1].

Locking Down Against Theft

Last year, Google debuted several theft protection features, aiming to secure your data in case of loss or theft. These features include Remote Lock, which allows users to secure their device or wipe it remotely, and Factory Reset protections. The former is getting an upgrade courtesy of a security challenge question to prevent unauthorized access[1].

Identity Check, presently available on Pixel and Samsung's One UI 7 devices, is coming to more devices upgrading to Android 16. This feature requires biometric authentication for certain resources outside of trusted locations. Lastly, Android 16 will hide one-time passwords on the lock screen when your device hasn't been Recently Unlocked or connected to Wi-Fi[1].

Google Messages - A Safer Chat

Google Messages is getting Key Verifier, a feature designed to confirm the identity of the person you're chatting with. This is useful, especially when scammers impersonate someone you know[2]. To verify, the person must confirm their contact keys in the Google Contacts app via QR code or number comparison. If their number gets compromised, such as through SIM swap attacks, the verification will disappear, alerting you to potential security concerns[2].

Live Threat Detection - Around the Clock Protection

Google Play Protect is receiving an upgrade, now able to continuously and in real-time check apps on your device for suspicious patterns or behavior that may signal malware[2]. This update is now available for all Android users!

Mobile Device Advanced Protection

Google's Advanced Protection program offers heightened security for those carrying sensitive data or prioritizing privacy. This program now extends to Android 16 devices, granting users an additional layer of protection alongside account-level safeguards[5]. Stay savvy, Android users, with these soon-to-be-released security enhancements!

[1] Source: Google I/O 2023[2] Source: Android Central[3] Source: MakeUseOf[4] Source: Gizmodo[5] Source: Ghacks Technology News

• Upcoming Android security features include expanded AI-powered scam detection for various types of fraud, such as tech support, financial impersonation, crypto, billing fee, gift card, and prize scams.
• With the arrival of Android 16, banking apps on Android 11+ devices will receive protection against impersonation scams, and Google Play Protect will continuously monitor apps for suspicious behavior on all Android devices.
• To secure personal-finance data, Android 16 devices will feature an upgrade to Remote Lock that includes a security challenge question for preventing unauthorized access.

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