Google Expands Use of Artificial Intelligence to Protect Against Fraud
Fraudsters and cyber-attackers are always looking for new ways to steal your information, and even the most careful among us can be at risk when using our mobile devices for everyday activities. Google is rolling out new security features for Android to help protect users from scams, scams and theft, and unveiled a number of them during its mobile event “The Android Show: I/O Edition” ahead of the Google I/O event, which begins on May 20.
Here’s what’s coming to your Android device soon.
Advanced fraud detection features
Google recently introduced an AI-powered fraud detection system that alerts users to possible fraud when suspicious conversational patterns are detected in Google Messages and Google Phone. Available for Pixel devices, this feature will now cover a broader network of scams, including package delivery scams, job search scams, toll and bill scams, cryptocurrency scams, financial impersonation scams, gift card and prize scams, and tech support scams.
Call fraud protection also expands to prevent users from taking actions that put their data at risk or open the door to malware. When you’re on your phone without contacts, you won’t be able to turn off Google Play Protect, download new apps from web browsers or messaging apps, or grant access permissions. You will also receive a notification to stop screen sharing at the end of the call. Call protection for Google Play Protect is available for Android 6+, while sideloading and accessibility restrictions are available for Android 16.
Finally, Google is testing security features for banking apps during calls. To protect against impersonation scams that compromise financial account information, your device will alert you if you launch a participating banking app while screen sharing with an unknown contact using the One-Tap End Call button. Android 11+ users in the UK will have first access to this feature in the coming weeks.
Improved anti-theft features
Last year, Google released a number of anti-theft features to help protect your data if your device is lost or stolen. Remote Lock , which lets you lock your Android or remotely wipe it, will now include a security question to prevent unauthorized access, and factory reset protection will be expanded.
Identity verification —originally implemented on Pixel and Samsung One UI 7 devices—will be available on more supported devices that update to Android 16. The feature requires biometric authentication to access certain resources when you’re outside of trusted locations.
Finally, Android 16 will hide one-time passwords on the lock screen when your device isn’t connected to Wi-Fi or recently unlocked, preventing thieves from using them to access your accounts.
Google Message Key Checker
Google Messages has a new feature that can help you confirm that you’re communicating with who you say you are (and not a scammer posing as someone you know). When using Key Verifier, a person will have to confirm your contact keys match in the Google Contacts app by scanning a QR code or comparing numbers, which will then mark them as verified.
If their number is compromised in any way, such as through a SIM swapping attack, the verification will disappear, letting you know that your conversation may not be secure. Key Verifier will be available this summer for devices running Android 10+.
Real-time application threat detection
Google Play Protect, which checks the security of apps before they are installed on your device, is getting an update. Real-time threat detection will work continuously on the device and in real time to quickly identify suspicious patterns or behavior that could indicate malware and alert you before you even install apps. This update is now available to all Android users.
Advanced device-level protection
Google’s Enhanced Protection program provides additional security for users who store sensitive data or have serious privacy concerns, such as journalists, activists, and executives. Once registered, you will be required to enter your password or password to access your account, and you will receive more frequent alerts related to malware risks. Android 16 now has a device-level “Advanced Protection” security setting for everyone who prioritizes security in addition to account-level security measures.