Android 17 enhances security with scam call protection and theft deterrence

Based on information from Bleeping Computer, Android 17 is set to introduce a suite of new security and privacy features aimed at combating device theft, improving threat detection, and preventing banking scam calls.

Google is expanding protections against caller ID spoofing, partnering with banking apps like Revolut, Itaú Unibanco, and Nubank to automatically terminate scam calls. This feature, also available on Android 11 and later, verifies call authenticity through app-level queries and internal number comparisons. Live Threat Detection is being enhanced to identify more abuse techniques, including SMS forwarding misuse and concealed accessibility overlays. Advanced Protection features will restrict accessibility service access and disable device-to-device unlocking.

For device theft, Android 17's "Mark as lost" feature will allow biometric locking, disabling Quick Settings, WiFi, and Bluetooth, even if the passcode is known. This protection will extend to Android 10 and later in select markets. Additional improvements include Chrome scanning downloaded APKs for malware, reduced PIN-guessing attempts, temporary precise-location sharing, and hardware-backed isolation for AI data processing via AISeal with pKVM. Pixel devices will receive official Android build verification, and SMS one-time passwords will be hidden from most apps for three hours. Carriers can disable 2G by default in regions where legacy networks are retired, and post-quantum cryptography protections are being added.

Source: Bleeping Computer