New Android security features protect against scams and device theft

Android is stepping up its game when it comes to protecting users from digital threats. With the increasing sophistication of scams, fraud, and device theft, it’s more important than ever to safeguard your phone and personal data. The latest security features being rolled out by Android are designed to provide a comprehensive defense against these threats, making your device safer and more secure.

One of the key enhancements is in-call protections, which add a layer of defense against phone call scams. These protections prevent certain actions from being taken during calls with non-contacts, such as disabling Google Play Protect or granting risky permissions. This helps to prevent scammers from tricking you into compromising your device’s security settings while on a call.

Android’s AI-powered scam detection in Google Messages and Phone by Google is also becoming more intelligent, with the ability to identify suspicious conversation patterns in real-time and warn you before falling victim to a scam. This protection covers a wide range of scams, including cryptocurrency scams, tech support scams, and more, keeping your conversations private and secure.

To combat fraud and impersonation, Android is introducing Key Verifier in Google Messages, allowing you and your contacts to verify each other’s identities using public encryption keys. This extra layer of security helps to prevent scammers from impersonating someone you know, giving you confidence that you’re talking to the right person.

For those who want even stronger security, Android is introducing Advanced Protection as a device-level setting in Android 16. This feature combines Google’s most robust security tools, such as intrusion logging and scam call detection, into one setting that can’t be turned off without unenrolling. This provides an extra level of security for those who require the highest level of protection.

In addition to these advanced security features, Android is also evolving its Find My Device feature into Find Hub, making it easier to keep track of your devices, family, and friends all in one place. With new partnerships with airlines and Bluetooth tag manufacturers, Find Hub is becoming more personalized and accessible, allowing you to track what matters most to you.

While Android is doing a lot to protect users, there are additional steps you can take to boost your security, such as installing strong antivirus software, keeping your device updated, using strong, unique passwords, being cautious with app permissions, and enabling two-factor authentication. By following these best practices and taking advantage of Android’s latest security features, you can ensure that your phone and personal data are well-protected against digital threats.