Android adds new layer of protection to banking apps

VHO - Android is testing a new anti-phishing measure in the US, automatically pausing screen sharing and displaying a full-screen warning when users open a banking app during a call.

This feature is aimed at countering increasingly sophisticated impersonation tactics, where scammers use calls and screen-sharing requests to steal financial information. The warning, an additional 30-second “cool-down” and automatic pause on sharing help users escape the state of panic that often occurs in high-tech scams.

Photo source: 9to5google.

Block screen sharing when risks are detected

A common scam method today is for criminals to impersonate bank employees or reputable organizations to ask users to open screen sharing during a call. At that time, the scammer can easily observe and interfere with the victim's financial applications.

To prevent this, Android is testing a new protection feature on devices running Android 11 and above. When a user is on a call with a number that is not saved in the contacts and screen sharing is enabled, the system will automatically display a full-screen warning as soon as the user opens the banking app.

This warning window is accompanied by a red “End Call Now” button, allowing the user to immediately end the call and terminate the screen sharing session to avoid the risk of exploitation.

The warning message emphasizes:

The caller may be spoofing.

Do not follow instructions over the phone

Never share personal data or financial information

Add 30 seconds of 'cool down' to prevent social engineering

One notable point is that the system also adds a 30-second pause before users can continue to operate on the banking application. This pause is intended to “break the social engineering spell”, helping users calm down before making important decisions, avoiding the pressure and creating a false sense of urgency that scammers often use.

Initial effectiveness and scope of implementation

The feature was tested in the UK earlier this year and has helped “thousands of users avoid potentially damaging financial calls.” In the US, the pilot program is being applied to popular financial services such as Cash App and several major banks, including JPMorgan Chase.

Google said its goal is to work with others in the financial-technology ecosystem to extend these protections to more and more users globally.

Additional restrictions for increased safety

Additionally, the system will also block users from performing risky actions while on a call, such as disabling Google Play Protect, installing third-party apps, or downloading suspicious files – all of which scammers often instruct victims to do in high-tech scams.

According to 9to5google

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