Google has announced that it is tightening the reins on digital scams with AI-powered protections aimed at Chrome and Android.
With over 90% of global search traffic, and with millions of organisations depending on its enterprise tools, such as Gmail and Google Workspace, Google remains the go-to web browser for just about everyone
And companies of all kinds trust the platform not only for productivity but also for security, especially those using Google Drive for Cloud data storage.
That trust, however, is continually being tested, as cyber threats continue to grow and become more sophisticated.
To meet this challenge head-on, Google has announced a series of AI-enhanced countermeasures all designed to provide much need protection for businesses and individual users alike.
AI Sent to the Frontlines of Chrome Security
At the centre of Google’s new security initiative is Gemini Nano, an on-device large language model (LLM) which will be used to bolster Safe Browsing in Chrome 137 on desktops.
Unlike traditional cloud-based detection, Gemini Nano works locally, which allows it to do real-time analysis of potentially malicious websites, even those trying previously unseen tactics. By using complex page elements and signals, such as suspicious uses of JavaScript APIs like keyboard locks, the AI model should give immediate alerts and provide pre-emptive protection.
Initially deployed to combat remote tech support scams, which trick users into sharing financial or personal data, Gemini Nano will be looking at web pages and flagging suspicious elements. These signals will then be fed into Chrome’s Safe Browsing feature to determine the scam likelihood.
According to the Chrome Security team, the AI model will be running asynchronously to prevent browser slowdowns and includes GPU throttling and token limits so that device performance is not affected by the extra background work.
Google plans to expand this AI-driven model to identify other fraud types, including fake package tracking alerts and unpaid toll scams. Android users who use Chrome can expect these protections to arrive on their devices later in 2025.
A Bigger Net for Search Scams
Aside from browser-level protection, Google is also improving its Search security systems, with new algorithms capable of detecting 20 times more deceptive pages. And this is already showing impressive results, like:
- 80% reduction in airline customer service impersonations
- 70% decrease in scams mimicking government or visa-related services
These upgrades will be especially useful to businesses whose staff often rely on search engines to access third-party customer services and public resources.
New Notification Warnings for Chrome on Android
To complement these tools, Google is launching a new machine learning-based warnings system in Chrome for Android. This feature flags spammy or deceptive push notifications sent by malicious websites.
“When a notification is flagged by Chrome, you’ll see the name of the site sending the notification, a message warning that the contents of the notification are potentially deceptive or spammy, and the option to either unsubscribe from the site or see the flagged content.”, said Chrome Security’s Hannah Buonomo and Sarah Krakowiak Criel.
The feature builds on existing scam detection tools in Android Messages, and aligns with broader protections anticipated in Android 16, including Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and a more locked-down, Advanced Protection mode.
A Wake-Up Call for Corporate Cybersecurity
With the lines between work and personal device use increasingly blurred, Google’s layered AI defences are set to give essential coverage for businesses to protect data, staff, and assets.
As cybercriminals grow bolder, and with most criminals now using generative tools of their own, Google’s emphasis on on-device AI comes at a great time.
* Want to make your business more secure? At 24/7 IT Services, we are here to help. We have a wide range of professional solutions for businesses, such as IT Security Solutions, Managed IT Support, and more. Contact us today to arrange a consultation.
