The Google Messages app is getting a few important safety features
Google’s software theme for 2024 has been safety. With the arrival of Android 15, the company added anti-theft measures for phones. Later, they locked the Find My system behind a biometric check. Next in line is the Messages app.
Earlier today, the company announced enhanced scam detection. They focus on package delivery scams and job frauds. Package delivery frauds have been on the rise lately. They are used for everything from brushing scams to extorting money with fake delivery problems.
Even the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a warning about the rise in such scams. These deceptions usually start with a misleading text message. They often contain a fake tracking link.
Google says the Messages app will rely on on-device AI to detect scams. It will warn users about such messages. It will automatically move them to the spam folder. This feature has already started rolling out to beta testers.
Next, Google is expanding a safety scan system. This system automatically looks for links that could be malicious. Such URLs can cause damage, from installing malware to redirecting users to phishing sites. So far, this system has been tested in a few Asian countries, including India. Now, Google says it will expand intelligent URL warnings for Messages users worldwide before the end of this year.
But there is still a chance users might fall into a web of online fraud. This often starts with urgent messages. To avoid this scenario, Google will offer an added layer of protection. It will block messages from unknown international senders.
Cybercriminals often use virtual numbers from abroad to avoid detection. Google notes that the Messages app will let users hide all messages from international senders. This will minimize risks.
All such communication will go to the “Spam & blocked” folder in the Messages app. The rollout of this feature begins in Singapore. Based on the reception, it will expand to more markets.
But scammers don’t always use international numbers. They often spoof legitimate businesses like banks, automobile, and logistics brands. In some cases, they try to pass off as acquaintances. To tackle such threats, the Messages app is prepping a contact verification system. This will rely on each contact’s public key for verification. The system checks the sender’s identity using a QR code or registered phone number.
Google has started working on a unified public key dashboard. The contact key verification system will be available for all phones running Android 9 or later.
Earlier today, the company announced enhanced scam detection. They focus on package delivery scams and job frauds. Package delivery frauds have been on the rise lately. They are used for everything from brushing scams to extorting money with fake delivery problems.
Even the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a warning about the rise in such scams. These deceptions usually start with a misleading text message. They often contain a fake tracking link.
Google says the Messages app will rely on on-device AI to detect scams. It will warn users about such messages. It will automatically move them to the spam folder. This feature has already started rolling out to beta testers.
Next, Google is expanding a safety scan system. This system automatically looks for links that could be malicious. Such URLs can cause damage, from installing malware to redirecting users to phishing sites. So far, this system has been tested in a few Asian countries, including India. Now, Google says it will expand intelligent URL warnings for Messages users worldwide before the end of this year.
But there is still a chance users might fall into a web of online fraud. This often starts with urgent messages. To avoid this scenario, Google will offer an added layer of protection. It will block messages from unknown international senders.
Cybercriminals often use virtual numbers from abroad to avoid detection. Google notes that the Messages app will let users hide all messages from international senders. This will minimize risks.
All such communication will go to the “Spam & blocked” folder in the Messages app. The rollout of this feature begins in Singapore. Based on the reception, it will expand to more markets.
But scammers don’t always use international numbers. They often spoof legitimate businesses like banks, automobile, and logistics brands. In some cases, they try to pass off as acquaintances. To tackle such threats, the Messages app is prepping a contact verification system. This will rely on each contact’s public key for verification. The system checks the sender’s identity using a QR code or registered phone number.
Google has started working on a unified public key dashboard. The contact key verification system will be available for all phones running Android 9 or later.