If there’s one area in Android where Google has made significant additions and changes in recent updates, it’s the security department. While no operating system can be 100% secure, Android’s recent features make it particularly challenging for scammers to succeed. Here are five amazing scam protection features on Android you need to know about.
1. OTP Auto-Hide and Login Protection
Android’s built-in screen recording feature is significantly improving with the addition of OTP and login protection features. Currently part of the Android 15 beta, these features may soon be available in the stable build. When enabled, Android will hide notifications containing OTPs and screens requiring login credentials or credit card numbers during screen recording.
This feature is incredibly useful, saving you the hassle of editing out sensitive information if you frequently record your phone’s display and share the content online, effectively preventing scammers from accessing your personal data.
2. Record a Single App
Android’s screen recorder now defaults to recording a single app, with the option to record the entire screen available in the dropdown menu. This feature, introduced in a recent Android 14 QPR release, is one of the best tools for preventing scams.
3. AI Caller Scam Detection
One of the most exciting features announced during this year’s Google I/O is AI scam detection using Gemini Nano. In the demo showcased by Google, the AI scam detection activated as the conversation became suspicious, alerting the user with a buzz that it could potentially be a scam.
In a podcast with the crew of Android Faithful, Dave Burke (VP of Engineering, Android) mentioned that the feature will be opt-in and will work with unknown callers. As per reports, this feature might be released later this year.
4. Scanning For Phishing Links
Google has introduced a feature called Android Safe Browsing, which alerts users about harmful links and webpages in supported apps. For example, if a user clicks on a link that leads to a phishing site, Android will warn them. You can find this feature under Security & privacy > More Security & privacy > Android Safe Browsing.
We expect this feature to be available on Google Chrome, given that it is one of the most widely-used browsers on Android. Additionally, content websites such as Twitter (now X), YouTube, and Instagram, where users often encounter suspicious links, should also support this feature as it rolls out to more devices.
5. Scanning for Deceptive apps
Many people in the subcontinent have fallen victim to SMS forwarding scams, and there’s nothing more devastating than seeing your hard-earned money disappear instantly. Android is an open-source OS, allowing anyone to install third-party apps from websites or different app stores. While this openness is great, it also means that some people exploit it to install phishing apps that can steal users’ credentials.
The “Scanning for Deceptive Apps” feature is being rolled out on all Android 10+ devices, scanning apps for phishing and deceptive behavior. When a phishing app is detected, the information is sent to Google Play Protect, and users are warned. This should help prevent many people from falling victim to scammers, installing fraudulent apps, and subsequently losing money.
Bonus Feature: Private Space
Private Space has numerous uses beyond hiding and locking personal apps. One such use is adding payment and banking apps to the Private Space profile. If you’re unfamiliar, Private Space installs apps in a different user profile, and when the feature is locked and not in use, the apps are paused.
Similarly, apps in Private Space don’t send notifications and are absent from Settings. This protects your banking apps from phishing apps, ensuring they remain secure if someone steals your phone and tries to access your funds.
What do you think about the recent Android features designed to enhance scam protection? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
0 Comments