Google has announced a series of new security tools coming to Android devices. These features aim to make your phone safer, especially when it comes to scam calls and protecting your personal data. The company showcased these updates during the recent Android Show: I/O Edition, giving a sneak peek of what’s ahead for Android users.

Stronger Defense Against Banking Scam Calls

One of the key updates is improved protection against scam calls that pretend to be banks. Scammers often use spoofing tech to make calls look like they’re coming from a trusted financial institution. Google is working with select banks to stop these fake calls. A new feature will automatically end calls that appear to be from participating banks and send a notification to warn users it might be a scam.

This safety measure will roll out in the coming weeks for devices running Android 11 and newer. However, right now, Google’s partnerships are limited to a few banks that don’t operate in the US. The company promises to add more banks later this year, expanding the reach of this protection.

Enhanced App Monitoring and Device Security

Google is also expanding its Live Threat Detection tool, which scans apps for suspicious activity. This system uses dynamic signal monitoring to identify behaviors that could be harmful, such as apps forwarding messages or manipulating accessibility permissions. The goal is to catch scams or abusive apps before they can do real damage.

Another security upgrade focuses on device theft. Users will soon have more options to lock their phones after failed login attempts. They can now unlock their device with biometric data like fingerprint or facial recognition, in addition to traditional passcodes. When a phone is marked as lost, thieves won’t be able to access it without biometric verification, making theft less valuable.

Additionally, Google is introducing a privacy tool that lets users temporarily share their precise location with an app while it’s open. This feature makes it easier to do quick tasks like finding a nearby cafe without giving apps unfettered access to your location data.

Overall, these upcoming security features aim to make Android devices more resilient against scams, theft, and privacy breaches. Google continues to focus on protecting users with smarter tools that adapt to evolving threats in the digital age.

Inspired by

• https://www.engadget.com/2169750/google-announces-upcoming-security-tools-for-android/

Sources

• google.com
• forbes.com