Under the backdrop of cybersecurity awareness month, Google is introducing a set of new protective measures for its first-party Messages app, which powers the SMS, MMS, and RCS texting experience across Android, ChromeOS, and the web.
Next, a Key Verifier tool is making its way to Messages for anyone running Android 10 and higher. This particular tool works by having you scan a QR code to confirm the identity of the person you're messaging with, adding a layer of security to end-to-end encrypted text threads.
New account recovery tools are also rolling out, including a new Recovery Contacts safety feature designed to provide trusted contacts with backup account entry details, and a Sign in with Mobile Number feature that lets you get into your Google Account using your phone number and your Android phone's lock-screen passcode.
While some of these updates might require a Google Messages app update, I reckon others will be delivered server-side or via a Google Play Services firmware upgrade.
Finally, Google is also working with the National Cyberscurity Alliance (NCA) to spread cybersecurity awareness through a dedicated campaign. The company has confirmed plans to host a set of in-person scam and fraud workshops at its New York City and Mountain View Google Stores on October 21 and October 28, respectively.
"In a world where malicious content is almost indistinguishable from the real thing, these features and initiatives are designed to help you avoid scams altogether, or spot them before they cause harm," says Google in a blog post.
There's no word on when these new tools and initiatives will all fully go live, or whether the rollout will be staged slowly across different locations or all in one single push. While some of these updates might require a Google Messages app update, I reckon others will be delivered server-side or via a Google Play Services firmware upgrade.
Google Messages
Google's default messaging application, which is installed on many Android phones out of the box. The company's custom RCS implementation brings with it end-to-end encryption.
A safer Google Messages is a win for everyone
When it comes to messaging, any and all security measures are appreciated
The way I see it, the more safety measures and security fortifications a text messaging app has, the better. I'm a big fan of the RCS standard's end-to-end encrypted state, which makes it impossible for Google or interceptors to snoop in on private conversations, but this doesn't prevent phishing scams, fraudsters, and impersonators from potentially wreaking havoc.
With these newly announced safety measures for Messages, Google appears to be committed to securing the texting experience for all Android and ChromeOS users. While I appreciate the company's upcoming efforts to spread fraud knowledge for Cybersecurity Awareness Month, I do have one humble request: for the sake of security, please work with Apple and the GSM Association to bring end-to-end encryption to all RCS messages sent between Android and iPhone users sooner rather than later.