Google tests real-time app scanning to protect Android users from financial fraud،
Android is widely loved for its open platform nature, allowing users to install apps from sources outside of the Google Play Store. However, this freedom carries its share of risks. While users enjoy the flexibility of installing any app of their choice, they also face the disadvantages of potential fraud, especially when downloading questionable apps from the Internet. The existence of the problem is undeniable and Google is taking steps to remedy it. The tech giant is rolling out a new pilot program aimed at helping Android phone users avoid scams targeting their money and personal information. In a blog postGoogle has announced that it will soon begin testing a feature to strengthen fraud protection through Google Play Protect.
Continuing its strategic partnership with the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), Google is set to launch the first pilot of this initiative in Singapore in the coming weeks. Enhanced fraud protection will automatically scan and prevent the installation of applications that may exploit sensitive execution permissions, commonly used for financial fraud. This action will be performed when users attempt to install the app from sources outside of the Google Play Store, such as web browsers, messaging apps, or file managers.
This enhancement will examine application-declared permissions in real-time, focusing on four specific execution permission requests: RECEIVE_SMS, READ_SMS, BIND_Notifications, and Accessibility. Fraudsters typically exploit these permissions to intercept one-time passwords via SMS or notifications, as well as to monitor screen content.
Screenshots showing the feature in action (Image credit–Google)
During the next pilot, if a user attempts to install an app from an Internet sideload source and the app declares one of these four permissions, Play Protect will automatically block the installation and provide an explanation .
This enhanced fraud protection feature has been tested by the Singapore Government and will be rolled out to Android devices with Google Play Services, as previously reported, exclusively in Singapore. However, once the pilot program is complete, users around the world should anticipate the feature's rollout, although Google did not provide a specific timeline.
THE Global State of Scams Report 2023 by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance found that 78% of mobile users surveyed had been scammed at least once in the past year. Of those surveyed, 45% said they had encountered more scams in the past 12 months.
The Global Scams Report also highlighted that scams were frequently initiated by sending fraudulent links through various messaging platforms. The goal? Trick users into installing malicious apps. Additionally, these scams often involved phone calls pretending to come from legitimate entities. If you would like to learn more about how to recognize and combat scams, click here.
