Tech giant Google is making sure Android users stay safe on its Messages app after announcing five innovative security features.
The Android maker says the decision comes after a rise in scams and spam around the globe. And what better time to make the announcement than October. In case you’re wondering, it’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
Through its recent blog post, Google shared how billions communicate through Google Messages. This is why they’re finally making security one of their biggest priorities. They want to design AI filters and better security so users remain protected at all times. Remember, suspicious messages are always on the rise. As per Google, the feature will offer protection from 2B suspicious texts. Let’s take a look at each one of them in detail below!
The first is protection from scam-delivered texts. It’s a very common encounter to have delivery firms send texts claiming packages are held up or perhaps a job is at stake for a certain reason. They are usually scams and victims do fall prey often.
Now, Google will remove suspected scam texts automatically and direct them into a spam folder, Users will also be alerted along the way. The feature is in beta right now for those with spam protection active.
Next, Google Messages promises to warn users about dangerous links when they’re featured in a certain text. It similarly warns about bocking texts featuring links from anyone suspicious. It’s already in use in places like Singapore, India, and Malaysia but Google is planning an expansion to other destinations very soon.
Google will also give Android users the chance to switch off texts from global senders. Remember, a lot of the scams do arise from outside America. This is why hiding texts from anyone located internationally is also in the works.
Furthermore, Google is working on adding sensitive content alerts for Google Messages. This works to blur pictures that feature nudity and give options if the user really wants to see what’s on display or not. Warnings will pop up for nudity and if you’re under 18, the feature is on by default.
Last but not least, Google is adding a new contact verification feature. This helps to verify contacts that are trying to send you a message. You can think of it as a system for public key verification across various apps. Users will get the chance to verify via QR code scanning or even by simply digit comparisons. It’s in the works for a possible launch next year.
Image: DigitalInformationWorld
Read next: WhatsApp Announces Cloud-Based Contact Storage
The Android maker says the decision comes after a rise in scams and spam around the globe. And what better time to make the announcement than October. In case you’re wondering, it’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
Through its recent blog post, Google shared how billions communicate through Google Messages. This is why they’re finally making security one of their biggest priorities. They want to design AI filters and better security so users remain protected at all times. Remember, suspicious messages are always on the rise. As per Google, the feature will offer protection from 2B suspicious texts. Let’s take a look at each one of them in detail below!
The first is protection from scam-delivered texts. It’s a very common encounter to have delivery firms send texts claiming packages are held up or perhaps a job is at stake for a certain reason. They are usually scams and victims do fall prey often.
Now, Google will remove suspected scam texts automatically and direct them into a spam folder, Users will also be alerted along the way. The feature is in beta right now for those with spam protection active.
Next, Google Messages promises to warn users about dangerous links when they’re featured in a certain text. It similarly warns about bocking texts featuring links from anyone suspicious. It’s already in use in places like Singapore, India, and Malaysia but Google is planning an expansion to other destinations very soon.
Google will also give Android users the chance to switch off texts from global senders. Remember, a lot of the scams do arise from outside America. This is why hiding texts from anyone located internationally is also in the works.
Furthermore, Google is working on adding sensitive content alerts for Google Messages. This works to blur pictures that feature nudity and give options if the user really wants to see what’s on display or not. Warnings will pop up for nudity and if you’re under 18, the feature is on by default.
Last but not least, Google is adding a new contact verification feature. This helps to verify contacts that are trying to send you a message. You can think of it as a system for public key verification across various apps. Users will get the chance to verify via QR code scanning or even by simply digit comparisons. It’s in the works for a possible launch next year.
Read next: WhatsApp Announces Cloud-Based Contact Storage
