- Google Messages has launched two new security tools to prevent fraudulent links
- One of them is the new Key Verifier tool, which the company first introduced in May.
- Google Messages also has a new scam alert, which will appear in a chat if you suspect dangerous links.
Google Messages has undergone a major overhaul in recent months and now the company is doubling down on its security measures with two new protection updates.
Features include the new Key Verifier tool and scam link alerts, both of which are available now. Scam alerts will appear for all Google Messages users; However, Key Verifier is only available to those with Android 10 and above, with plans to implement more protections based on the new feature.
In its official announcement, Google addressed the growing risks of online fraud and scams, prompting stricter security measures from the company, sharing the following:
“Nearly 60% of people around the world have experienced a scam in the last year. However, while increased connectivity has certainly driven this rise in scams, the biggest change is this: widespread access to cutting-edge technology is making scams more compelling and nefarious than ever.” So how do your new protections prevent this?
The more notable of the two is the new Key Verifier, which was initially revealed in May and further details were given last August.
It’s designed to “add an extra layer of trust” to your private one-on-one RCS chats and involves scanning a QR code for your contacts, ensuring that the messages you receive are actually from the person you think is on the other end.
To access Key Verifier, open an individual chat and tap the contact’s name at the top. Scroll down and select “Verify Keys” and then “Scan the contact’s QR code.” You should also keep in mind that the person on the other end will also need to do the same on their own device.
The second new security measure is fraudulent link detection, which targets links that could be sent to you to steal personal information. If you receive a link that Google Messages believes could be harmful, it will present a warning pop-up to highlight suspicious messages.
“We are continually innovating and implementing new security features built into our products,” Google repeated in its announcement, adding that “these features and initiatives are designed to help you avoid scams altogether or detect them before they cause harm.” With this in mind, Google will likely expand its protection tools in the future.
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