In a manner reminiscent of Microsoft, Google is actively promoting the incorporation of AI within its suite of products. The company’s web browser, Google Chrome, is slated to see a host of new AI functionalities. Following the announcement that AI would soon aid Chrome users with numerous tasks and bolster real-time security checks, Google has unveiled enhanced security measures powered by its Gemini AI, which will be accessible on both Chrome and Android platforms.
This novel feature was revealed on Google’s blog, The Keyword. By choosing to announce this on its primary platform rather than a specialized Chrome or Security blog, the company highlights the feature’s importance. The AI is designed to shield desktop users from scams, while those using Chrome on Android will benefit from new spam alerts facilitated by this AI technology.
Google Chrome: AI Security for Desktop
According to Google, AI security is being integrated into Chrome’s Enhanced Protection mode for desktop computers. To access this Safe Browsing mode, users must enable it, which Google asserts provides users “twice as much safety from phishing and other scams” compared to the standard default mode.
The AI integration enhances Chrome’s security features. Utilizing the Gemini Nano on-device large language model, it offers “instant insights on risky websites,” ensuring safeguards against scams that users may not have previously encountered. This functionality is already being utilized by Google to combat “remote tech support scams,” and will soon broaden its protective reach to Android as well as other types of scams.
Chrome for Android: Spam Notification Defense
Google is also harnessing AI to bolster protection against alerts from harmful sites or those attempting scams. If a website notification raises suspicion, the on-device machine learning model steps in. Chrome then displays a distinctive warning to users, giving them the option to view the notification or opt-out from the website to avoid future alerts.
For users who deem a notification credible, there is the option to continue receiving notifications on their device, allowing Chrome’s intervention only as deemed necessary.
Google Messages and Call Security
The newly launched Scam Detection feature in Google Messages and Phone employs AI to pinpoint potential scam calls and messages. This on-device AI functionality notifies users about communications that are likely scams. Users can then choose to report and block these attempts or let the call or message through.
Will we observe a competitive environment where AI is leveraged both to protect users and to develop sophisticated methods for executing scams? Google and Microsoft are dedicated to embedding AI safeguards into their offerings, while malware organizations are equally embracing AI technologies.
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