Critical Google Messages Security Update For 1 Billion Users Confirmed
Google Messages is about to get a lot safer with Key Verifier feature.
Although Android 16 has now launched, at least for some device users, and brought with it long-overdue and highly welcome new security protections, users of Google Messages will need to wait a little longer for one critical update. Don't worry, this Google Messages update is coming to an Android device near you very soon indeed, and it really is an anti-scam security game-changer. Here's everything you need to know about the new key verifier feature.
Although there's no doubt that Android 16 is a step up in security terms, particularly when it comes to anti-scam protections such as preventing the user from disabling Google Play Protect, sideloading an app or changing app accessibility permission during a call, there is still more work to be done. The good news is not only that Google knows this, but it is acting upon it. I don't use the term critical lightly, when it comes to cybersecurity that would be a poor show indeed, but if ever a new security function deserved the epithet, then Key Verifier for Google Messages is it.
Dave Kleidermacher, the vice president of engineering with Google's Android security and privacy team, described the key verifier for Google Messages as providing 'an extra layer of assurance that the person on the other end is genuine' when in conversation with someone.
The technical explanation is that the key verifier function is a tool that validates the identity of the person you are in conversation with when using Google Messages by way of public encryption keys that protect the end-to-end messaging. It verifies the contact keys in your Google Contacts, either by you scanning a QR code (yes, I know, but anti-scam protections can also use tools that are abused by scammers) or straightforward number comparison.
The non-technical explanation, as Kleidermacher explained, is that it provides a visual way to easily and efficiently confirm that these secret encryption keys match. 'If an attacker gains access to a friend's phone number and uses it on another device to send you a message,' Kleidermacher said, 'their contact's verification status will be marked as no longer verified in the Google Contacts app, suggesting your friend's account may be compromised or has been changed.'
Is it perfect? No. Can it provide a 100% guarantee that you are not being scammed? No. Is it a critical weapon in the fight against scammers? Heck yes. Anti-scam protection revolves around a central hub of trust, and the Google Messages key verifier will add confidence to your communications that you are in conversation with the person you think you are, and not a scammer.
'Key Verifier will launch later this summer in Google Messages on Android 10+ devices,' Kleidermacher confirmed. Not long to wait, but in the meantime, continue to be careful out there and stay alert to the phishing threat.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Digital Trends
12 minutes ago
- Digital Trends
Avast's most complete antivirus plan is 70% off right now
Avast has been popping off with incredible deals this month. The antivirus company recently offered 70% off its Premium tier of virus protection. For the next 30 days, Avast is extending that offer to its Ultimate tier of protection. That means you can protect one device with Avast Ultimate for $33 for a year, down from its usual $110. If you want to cover 10 devices, you'll only pay $42 instead of $140. Let's dive into what Avast Ultimate offers and why you might want it over the free tier or the Premium plan. This deal is live now, and will stick around for the next four weeks. Why should should buy Avast Ultimate Avast Ultimate starts with covering everything that the Premium plan does. That means ransomware protection and several forms of browsing protection. Avast will verify that the public Wi-Fi networks you're joining are safe and legit, then protect you while you're browsing with notifications for unsafe, fake, or phishing sites. You'll also be protected against remote access attacks. When you choose the Avast Ultimate tier over the Premium, you get even more resources for protecting your computer: a VPN, identity masking software, and PC cleanup software. Avast's VPN is called SecureLine VPN. It has all the perks you'd expect from a VPN, such as private browsing, the ability to spoof an internet connection in a different country, and security from anyone trying to nab your browsing data. Avast says the VPN won't impact your connection speed because of its many secure servers set up across the world. Avast's AntiTrack, also included with the Ultimate plan, has a similar goal as a VPN: obscure your identity from websites trying to track you. This includes all targeted ads. Have you ever looked at a plane ticket, closed the tab, and come back to find it more expensive than the first time you checked it out? AntiTrack is designed to block that sort of thing from happening. And to round out the Avast Ultimate experience you have Cleanup Premium, which does exactly what it sound like. It declutters your computer, organizing and deleting old files that you didn't even know where there. It's an easy way to speed up your computer. Avast Ultimate is 70% off for the next four weeks, bringing the price of your first year down to just $33 for one device or $42 for 10 devices. If you've been living on the edge without antivirus, this is a great way to keep your computer safe, secure, and clean.
Gizmodo
16 minutes ago
- Gizmodo
Threads Will Now Let You Hide Spoilers, but Logging Off Is Still Free
If you're one of those people who refuses to look at social media out of fear of spoilers, Meta's Instagram-adjacent Threads app has a solution it hopes will keep you doomscrolling anyway. The new tool will let people mark words in their posts as 'spoilers,' preventing eyeballs who haven't yet watched, say, a certain episode of The Last of Us from learning a certain beloved main character's grisly fate. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the feature 'let users hide text or images that spoil a piece of entertainment (or anything that can be spoiled), simply by marking it as a spoiler. When a user marks it a spoiler, the text or image will be blurred until whoever is seeing the post selects it and asks to know more.' That sounds similar to Reddit's feature that lets users hide potentially spoiler-y text when posting in forums discussing recent TV shows, for instance. So far, Threads is the only social media platform to offer such an option; X and BlueSky, THR points out, do not have anti-spoiler tools in place. In theory, it's a great idea. However, it's on the person posting to deploy the feature, which means it's up to individuals to decide what they think is a spoiler and what's not—as well as what an acceptable 'window' is for blabbing about a major plot twist. For some, it might be a week; others, it might be 'as soon as the thing happens in my time zone.' And really, there's a greater question at work here: what are you doing on social media at all if spoilers are that important to you? Inevitably, someone's gonna spill the beans—even if you're carefully only treading on Threads—and you'll only have yourself to blame for seeing whatever they wrote.
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Bird and Spin Launch AI-Powered Rider Score to Improve Safety and Compliance
New feature uses advanced AI to encourage safer riding and better parking behavior—supporting cleaner, safer streets for all. Atlanta/Denver, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bird and Spin, both operated by Third Lane Mobility, today announced the rollout of a new AI-powered feature called Rider Score, designed to improve how shared e-scooters and e-bikes are used in cities around the world. The goal is simple: promote safe, responsible riding and parking behavior that supports city goals and benefits everyone who shares the streets. The feature was first rolled out in Bird's Denver and Atlanta programs, and in several other cities shortly thereafter. 'We continue to hear from cities that rider behavior can be a pain point, particularly when it comes to sidewalk riding and parking. While we've come a long way from the early days of the industry, we know that work remains, and continued investment in new solutions is necessary,' said John Lankford, Senior Director of Partnerships and Policy for Bird and Spin. 'Rider Score has so much potential because for the first time it brings together multiple data sources to give us a transparent look at rider behavior on an individualized basis, allowing us to put in place the necessary incentives to reinforce good behavior, and necessary disincentives to discourage the bad behavior.' Rider Score uses advanced AI systems to analyze and score rider behavior based on vehicle telemetry and user-provided data, including: Parking photo review Sidewalk riding detection Double riding detection Reckless riding detection Geo-Location indicating rider adherence to zone-based riding restrictions Each factor carries weight, and scores are calculated with a recency bias to reflect ongoing habits and encourage consistent improvement. Riders with higher scores may unlock rewards, while those with lower scores may receive targeted education or operator intervention. 'Rider Score gives us a clear, AI-powered, data-informed way to promote safer streets and encourage good habits. It's designed to make it easier for riders to follow local rules and help cities manage shared mobility effectively,' said Björn Schefzyk, Principal Product Manager at Bird and Spin. Beyond safety and compliance, Rider Score also supports broader operational improvements. It provides visibility into real-time behavior trends via Bird and Spin's rider apps, CRM platforms, and internal dashboards, allowing for more targeted and effective responses at scale. 'Rider Score is more than just a feature – it's a glimpse into the future of our broader mobility intelligence strategy,' said Hunter Gray, Chief Technology Officer at Bird. 'By leveraging AI-powered infrastructure and machine learning, we're improving rider safety, increasing service reliability, streamlining operations, and helping cities become more sustainable. We're laying the groundwork to embed intelligence across the entire Bird and Spin platform to shape the future of urban mobility.' The feature began rolling out in select cities in May 2025 and is designed to scale quickly across markets, adapting to local regulations and community needs. About Bird Bird is a leader in the micromobility industry, transforming the way the world moves, one ride at a time. With a growing global network of shared e-scooters and e-bikes, Bird is making micromobility work for more riders—wherever they are and however they move. Through its More People, More Places, More Ways approach, Bird offers a cleaner, more connected transportation solution for riders and cities alike. CONTACT: Bird press@ in to access your portfolio
