Topic: scam prevention
-
F-Secure Internet Security Blocks Phishing, Fake Stores & SMS Scams
F-Secure Internet Security provides cross-platform protection against viruses, ransomware, spyware, and scams, with features including device scanning, scam and browsing protection, VPN, and ID monitoring for data breaches. The Android app uses Accessibility Services permissions to enable Chrome ...
Read More » -
Google's Gemini blocked 99% of bad ads in 2025
Google's AI, Gemini, is central to its ad safety efforts, blocking 8.3 billion ads and suspending 24.9 million accounts in 2025, while reducing incorrect suspensions by 80%. The company focused heavily on scam prevention, removing 602 million scam ads and taking action on over 245,000 publisher s...
Read More » -
Google's New Android Sideloading Rule: A Mandatory Waiting Period
New mandatory verification steps introduce delays and checkpoints to protect users from scams when installing apps outside the Google Play Store, ensuring thoughtful security decisions. The process includes enabling developer mode, an environmental check for coercion, and a device restart to term...
Read More » -
Get Ready for the New SMS ID Register: Regulator Urges Action
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is implementing an SMS Sender ID Register requiring organizations to register branded SMS sender names with their telecom providers to combat scammers impersonating trusted brands. Starting July 2026, only registered sender IDs will be allo...
Read More » -
Tech Support for Parents: A Holiday Survival Guide
Enable automatic updates on devices to prevent common technical issues and ensure security, transforming tech support into a manageable one-time setup during visits. Educate older relatives about common scams and provide resources to recognize and avoid fraud, including steps to take if they fall...
Read More » -
Google's New Sideloading Feature Fights Scams
Google is introducing a new, multi-step process for Android users to install apps from outside the Play Store, designed to balance user freedom with security by requiring actions like enabling developer mode and a one-day waiting period. The policy change follows an antitrust settlement and aims ...
Read More » -
Meta's New AI Content Systems: Less Outsourcing, More Control
Meta is deploying advanced AI systems to autonomously identify and remove harmful content like terrorism and fraud, aiming to reduce reliance on external moderation partners. The AI has shown early success, doubling the detection of some violating content and significantly lowering error rates co...
Read More » -
Google Admits Android Sideloading Is Now 'High Friction'
Google is developing a new, intentionally "high friction" process for installing apps outside the Play Store, featuring prominent security warnings but allowing knowledgeable users to bypass mandatory developer verification. The company frames this as an "Accountability Layer" to combat scams, ai...
Read More » -
Meta Must Stop Scammers or Face the Fallout
Meta knowingly profits from fraudulent advertisements, generating an estimated $7 billion annually from scam ads despite internal awareness of the issue, with inadequate enforcement policies allowing deceptive content to persist. Scams facilitated by Meta's platforms cause immense financial harm ...
Read More » -
Google Relaxes Android Sideloading Restrictions
Google is introducing an "advanced flow" to give experienced Android users more control over sideloading apps, balancing safety and freedom with clear, repeated warnings about risks. The company is requiring developer verification for apps distributed outside the Play Store to combat security thr...
Read More » -
Fight Review Extortion: Use Google's Report Form Now
Google has introduced a dedicated reporting form for businesses to combat review extortion scams, requiring users to be logged into their associated Google Business Profile account. Scammers typically demand payment, goods, or services in exchange for removing fraudulent low-star reviews, and Goo...
Read More » -
Facebook, WhatsApp, Messenger Boost Scam Protection
Meta is introducing proactive security warnings across Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp to help users identify and avoid scams, such as suspicious friend requests or device linking attempts. On WhatsApp, users will receive alerts about suspicious device linking requests, showing the request's or...
Read More »