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Already this year, there have been multiple reports of dangerous malware targeting Android devices, some from the official Play Store. Android users are now starting to see a surprising new Google warning appear on their devices.
New warning issued for Pixel and Samsung users
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It’s clear that Google needs to act. Android’s open nature has proven to be a rich playing field for attackers exploiting increasingly sophisticated malware. The availability of a DIY malware toolset on Telegram reveals the scale of the problem. Attackers don’t even have to grapple with the dark web anymore.
Now, as first reported by Mishaal Rahman over at X, a new threat alert system is suddenly hitting some Samsung and Pixel devices. Google has started releasing the next stage of defense, where when a user browses the web he will see a new warning on his Android device. And although this was first confirmed in beta in October, users are still not aware of it and, judging by the reports, will be surprised when it appears.
“Google is rolling out a new ‘Android Safe Browsing’ page where you can see which apps support this feature and also introduce ‘Live Threat Protection’ for more accurate threat detection. You can also switch,” Rahman posted.
The server-side system runs live in the background and “warns you about security threats, such as harmful links and web pages. For example, when you tap a link in a news app that takes you to a known link, a warning appears. phishing site. ”
Users can use their Samsung or Pixel device to[セキュリティとプライバシー]You can try out new settings in the menu. As with Android, don’t expect ecosystem-wide updates to happen anytime soon. All devices with Google’s mobile services installed receive timely updates and serve as a core part of the Play Protect ecosystem.
Given the significant (and growing) threats from phishing, fraudulent websites, apps, and updates, this new protection is critical, assuming it works as claimed.
We first saw signs that Android Safe Browsing might be back in October. The Google News channel on Telegram showed a screenshot of the beta version and reported that “a new item ‘Android Safe Browsing’ has appeared and its description reads ‘Receive alerts for the following.’ Threats from dangerous websites.”
Beta screenshot
Google News/Telegram
“If this feature is turned off or you are about to turn it off, you will see a warning that you are protected by ‘outdated versions of Safe Browsing,'” the channel explained. This page has been integrated into the latest beta version of Google Play Services v. 23.41.13 beta and is not currently visible to users. ”
This is the second example of an unexpected new warning that Samsung users have seen recently. Another is his Android 14 app store ownership of certain apps and updates that were rolled out to Pixel devices last year, but only started being made available to Samsung last month.
The theme is clear. Google is cleaning house. “We’re trying to strike a balance,” CEO Sundar Pichai explained last year. “We believe in choice, so Android lets you sideload and install additional applications.” But he also points out that these protections are similar to seatbelts in your car. He also said that users can choose whether or not to be protected. or not.And just like with seatbelts, the risks remain in spite of their protection.
In light of the last wave of malware alerts, Google told me that “Android has multiple layers of protection to keep you safe. Android users are currently protected from this by Google Play Protect, and Android It’s turned on by default on devices.” Google Play Services. Google Play Protect can warn users or block apps that are known to exhibit malicious behavior, even if they come from sources other than Play. This is the latest example of such defenses being strengthened.
I reached out to Google for specific comment on Safe Browsing, but the company is adamant that it appears to be cleaning up its ranks and ending its old reputation for laxity. Masu. This backdrop is now further amplified with Apple being forced to open up to third-party app stores for the first time under Europe’s DMA. All these changes are welcome and just like seatbelts, our advice is to stay safe.
Stay vigilant while waiting for Safe Browsing to be applied to your device. Never click on links in messages or emails unless you trust the sender and know the site is legitimate. Do not install apps from links. Also, don’t take any chances as installing apps can wreak havoc on your phone and data.
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