Google has been focusing on Android for quite some time now, on functions aimed at detecting all attempts at “non-human” interaction with the user, and it is a more than necessary position in these times, in which calls, messages, unwanted communications through WhatsApp and similar services, etc., are more the order of the day than ever. And, as a general rule, in the best of cases we talk about spam, in the worst… you know, scams of all kinds.
In this sense, Google has begun to deploy a new tool on Android devices called Android System Key Verifierdesigned to improve communications security. This app allows developers to store end-to-end encryption keys and gives users the ability to verify that apps are using the correct keys when communicating. This ensures that messages come from a contact’s legitimate device, and not from a malicious third party.
The main function of Android System Key Verifier It is similar to what would be done when asking for information that only the real person would know to verify their identity. This technology introduces a “Contact Keys” system, a feature announced for Android 15, although, surprisingly, the new application is compatible with versions from Android 10 onwards. Its operation requires only Google Play services, which eliminates the need to have the latest version of the operating system.
Android System Key Verifier integrates two fundamental elements. First, it offers a service so that messaging apps like Google Messages can store encryption keys directly on the user’s device. Secondly, it provides an interface that allows users to share these keys using a QR code, as well as scan codes provided by other contacts. This mutual verification process ensures that both devices are identified and associated with the correct contact; This way, if at any time it is suspected that the interlocutor has changed devices without verifying again, the keys will not match, alerting the user that they may not be communicating with the original person.
The functionality of this tool Resembles contact key verification in iOS 17.2where Apple’s Messages app alerts if an unknown device has been added to a contact. Similarly, Android System Key Verifier displays options to compare app-specific numbers in addition to QR code scanning. Although it is not yet available in the Google Contacts app, it is expected that in future updates users will be able to access QR codes through their contacts settings.
Contact verification functionality in Google Messages is expected will officially launch next yearand Google has indicated that it will be compatible with devices starting with Android 9. However, Android System Key Verifier currently requires Android 10 or higher, suggesting that Google could be facing difficulties in extending compatibility to older versions or could be fine-tuning the last details.
Source: www.muycomputer.com
