Google has announced the development of a new security feature for Android, designed to prevent device owners from modifying sensitive settings during an ongoing phone call.
The feature, known as in-call anti-scammer protections, blocks users from enabling settings that allow the installation of apps from unknown sources and granting accessibility access during a phone call. This development was initially reported by Android Authority.
If a user attempts to make these changes while on a call, they will receive a message stating: “Scammers often request this type of action during phone call conversations, so it’s blocked to protect you. If you are being guided to take this action by someone you don’t know, it might be a scam.”
Furthermore, the feature prevents users from granting an app accessibility access during the course of a phone call.
The feature is currently available in Android 16 Beta 2, which was released earlier this week. The goal of this feature is to introduce an additional layer of protection against a tactic that has been frequently exploited by malicious actors to deliver malware.
This tactic, known as telephone-oriented attack delivery (TOAD), involves sending SMS messages to potential targets, instructing them to call a number and creating a sense of urgency.
Last year, NCC Group and Finland’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-FI) revealed that cybercriminals were distributing dropper apps using a combination of SMS messages and phone calls to trick users into installing malware such as Vultur.
