Google Messages adds enhanced protection mode as Android steps up scam defences

[Glacier53]

Google has announced a batch of new anti scam features for Android, timed for Cybersecurity Awareness Month. 9to5Google's Abner Li reports that the headline addition is an opt in enhanced protection mode for Google Messages, rolling out over the coming weeks

The new mode uses cloud based Gemini models, through Google's Private AI Compute system, to spot a scammer's intent faster when you chat with unknown senders. On device Gemini Nano also checks unfamiliar links in real time before you tap them. That link checking works on the Pixel 10 series, Galaxy S26, Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Z Fold 8 and some other phones

Clearer warnings for links from unknown numbers are now available more widely. Scam detection for chat notifications, which was previously only on Pixel phones, is expanding to Honor, Motorola, Oppo, OnePlus, Realme, Vivo, Xiaomi and other brands. That should protect many more people

There are some clever extra protections too. Android will automatically hide passwords and banking details during screen sharing, which scammers often ask victims to do. From early December, apps will be blocked from quietly turning on call forwarding, a trick used to steal one time passcodes, and users will be warned if a scammer talks them into typing a forwarding code

Scam messages and calls have become a huge problem, and older or less tech savvy people are often the main targets. Protections that work automatically, without users needing to understand the threat, are exactly what is needed. These look like thoughtful, practical improvements

Have you or someone you know been targeted by a text scam? And would you turn on enhanced protection mode?

Google Messages adding 'enhanced protection mode' as Android works to combat phone scam9to5google.com