Google Play Guard is testing improved measures to guard against financial fraud
Last year, Google stated that Play Protect would ask you to analyze unfamiliar Android apps before installing them from sources other than the official app store. Google is currently testing improved measures to prevent financial fraud with Play Protect.
Play Protect will “examine and automatically prevent the installation of apps that might utilize sensitive runtime permissions that are often misused for financial fraud when the user tries to install the app from a source outside of the official app store (such as web browsers, messaging apps, or file managers).”
This improvement will examine the permissions that the app specifies in real-time.
Google is specifically searching for financial fraud apps that ask for RECEIVE_SMS, READ_SMS, BIND_Notifications, and accessibility permissions. Scammers can use them to intercept single-use SMS or notification-based passwords and keep an eye on screen content.
According to our examination of significant fraud malware groups that take advantage of these critical runtime permissions, we discovered that more than 95 percent of installations originated from Internet-sideloading sources.
Launching through Google Play services, this trial will begin in the upcoming weeks for Android users in Singapore. Upon seeing an “App blocked by Play Protect,” Google will explain to the user: “This app can request access to sensitive data.” This can raise the possibility of identity theft or financial fraud.
Google mentions that it has worked with the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) and that “the Singapore government has tested this improved fraud protection.”
With CSA, we will be carefully observing the outcomes of the trial programme to evaluate its effects and make any necessary changes. We will also help CSA by continuing to aid in malware detection and analysis, exchanging malware insights and approaches, and producing educational resources for users and developers.
Developers are recommended to examine app permissions and adhere to recommended methods, while the latest guidance offers suggestions on resolving possible problems with your app and directions for submitting an appeal if necessary.
Meanwhile, Play Protect’s live scanning is reported to have had a major effect on user safety in India, Thailand, Singapore, and Brazil. It has found 515,000 new harmful apps and has given over 3.1 million alerts or restrictions.
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