Android gets new protections against phone scams and malware

mobile phones, 14.11.2024, 11:30 AM

Google has announced a new AI “Scam detection” feature that monitors phone conversations on Google Pixel devices to detect patterns that indicate the caller may be a scammer. Google also announced a new real-time protection feature for Google Play Protect that warns when unsafe apps are found on Google Play.

The features are currently only available for Google Pixel 6 devices and newer series models, but more Android devices from other manufacturers are expected to get them in the coming months.

These real-time protection features should make using Android safer by avoiding and blocking known threats.

The first feature Google announced is a new anti-fraud system that uses artificial intelligence to analyze phone conversations to detect whether the caller is a fraud. The system will work in real-time by detecting conversation patterns commonly associated with fraud, such as callers impersonating companies or emergency phone calls following a security incident alert. When fraud is detected, a notification will appear on the phone alerting the user and asking if they want to end the phone call.

Although the entire process happens on the device, Google has decided to turn this feature off by default, allowing users to activate it through the settings of the Phone app or even during a specific call.

The anti-fraud system will initially only work for conversations in English, and is currently being applied to the Google Pixel 6 and newer models for users in the US.

Another new feature is Live Threat Detection in Google Play Protect, Android’s default anti-malware and security tool that protects users in real-time.

Play Protection analyzes behavioral signals related to the use of sensitive permissions and interactions with other applications and services. With Live Threat Detection, if a malicious app is found, you’ll now receive a real-time alert, allowing you to take immediate action to protect your device,” said Google.

The scanning and detection process takes place locally on the device to protect user privacy.

Google said the new system will initially focus on stalkerware that surreptitiously collects data about a victim. More types of dangerous apps, malware, adware, banking trojans and spyware will be added in the future.