ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / NEWS

Google's Anti-Scam Protection: Android Users In Singapore Won't Be Able To Install Unverified Apps

The fraud protection feature will block the installation of apps that exploit permissions for fraud.
PUBLISHED FEB 7, 2024
Cover Image Source: Logo of Google Inc | Getty Images | Photo by Smith Collection
Cover Image Source: Logo of Google Inc | Getty Images | Photo by Smith Collection

Google is piloting an enhanced feature for financial fraud protection via its Play Protect services. For this project, the tech giant has partnered with the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA). In its official blog post published on Tuesday, Google claimed that "this enhanced fraud protection has undergone testing by the Singapore government." The company further stated that the enhanced fraud protection feature will analyze apps and block specific requests that may exploit sensitive runtime permissions to scam users.

Photo illustration of the the logos Google apps | Getty Images | Photo illustration by Chesnot
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Chesnot

As per Google, the enhanced fraud protection feature will analyze and automatically block the installation of apps that attempt to exploit permissions that are abused for financial fraud. The company mentioned that the software will look for four runtime permission requests: RECEIVE_SMS, READ_SMS, BIND_Notifications, and Accessibility.

When a user in Singapore attempts to install an application from a source other than Google Play, the feature will analyze the app and look for the specified four permission requests. In case any such requests are found, the feature will display the message "App blocked by Play Protect" along with a message explaining that the app is requesting sensitive data, which can facilitate identity theft or fraud. 

These permissions are often abused by fraudsters to intercept one-time passwords via SMS or notifications, or by spying on screen content. The feature will not allow the user to install any malicious apps from web browsers, messaging apps, or file managers.



 

According to the 2023 Global State of Scams Report by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, individuals across the globe lost about $1 trillion to financial fraud. The report revealed that 78% of mobile users surveyed experienced at least one scam in the last year, and 45% felt they experienced more scams in the past 12 months.

"The fight against online scams is a dynamic one. As cybercriminals refine their methods, we must collaborate and innovate to stay ahead," said Chua Kuan Seah, Deputy Chief Executive of CSA. Google will continue working with the CSA to closely monitor the results of the pilot program and make adjustments based on the assessment.

Meanwhile, developers are advised to review their app permissions and follow best practices to ensure compliance with the Mobile Unwanted Software principles.



 

Scammers frequently use social media, text messaging apps, email, and other forms of communication to deceive mobile users. Most of them create a false sense of urgency to fool people into risking their finances. These cybercriminals even convince users to disable security safeguards and ignore proactive warnings by creating fake scenarios or pretending to be representatives of firms or government agencies.

In the blog, Google explained that a large percentage of users ignore or are tricked into dismissing the proactive Android platform warnings before installing malicious apps. This leads to users losing confidential information like their security codes, passwords, and financial information. 

Previously, Google launched Play Protect’s Real-Time Scanning service, which checks installations and warns users about apps known to be malicious. According to a 9to5Google report, this feature has made a significant impact on user safety in countries like India, Thailand, Singapore, and Brazil, identifying over 515,000 new malicious apps and issuing over 3.1 million warnings or blocks.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
According to the expert, personal letters and a signature from Tolkien himself added to the value of the book.
7 hours ago
Chistina and Katie Currie won over $88,000 in cash and two exotic vacations with their stunning performance.
8 hours ago
After everyone backed out, the billionaire Shark stepped up to help the founder of Diaper Dust.
1 day ago
Sun kept repeating the incorrect phrase but couldn't identify the error in time.
1 day ago
After almost closing a deal with Mr Wonderful, the founder of 'Simply Good Jars' pivoted hard.
1 day ago
The host thought it was the "worst possible answer" to give even as the team felt it was good enough.
2 days ago
Adding to the controversy, the owner of Dr. Mudd's lapdesk asked Harrison for $100,000.
2 days ago
With just milliseconds to spare, Sarah LaPilusa pulled off an incredible Bonus Round win.
2 days ago
Ozark Trail 64 oz Water Bottles were recalled after the lids of faulty bottles forcefully ejected.
3 days ago
The player laughed and giggled her way through the puzzles to win prizes worth over $57,000.
3 days ago
Scott Riccardi placed an unbelievable wager during Final Jeopardy! to win a massive amount in a day!
3 days ago
The guest got a 200% return on investment on her sculpture that she bought from Macy's.
3 days ago
Jennings had a record-setting winning streak as a contestant before he became the host.
4 days ago
The player, Ron Wheeler, tragically got no clues after his letter picks for the final puzzle.
4 days ago
The former kids champion, Skyler Hornback knew what was coming.
4 days ago
The fans took issue with the clue being too tough and unnecessary for the contestants.
5 days ago
Cuban wanted to strike a deal with the founder of Coconut Girl and gave her an ultimatum.
5 days ago
Although the word did make a lot of difference, some fans felt that the decision was ridiculous.
5 days ago
The guest, who found the item online, didn't think it was the real deal until he heard its value.
6 days ago
The player Samantha secured the first big win of Ryan Seacrest's run on the show.
6 days ago