News from the AI & ML world

DeeperML - #chrome

@www.webroot.com //
Cybercriminals are increasingly using sophisticated tactics to deceive individuals and steal sensitive information. One common method involves sending fraudulent text messages, known as smishing, that impersonate legitimate businesses like delivery services or banks. These scams often entice victims to click on malicious links, leading to identity theft, financial loss, or the installation of malware. Webroot emphasizes mobile security, particularly protecting phones from text scams with potential identity theft and malware planting. The Federal Trade Commission reported that consumers lost $470 million to scams initiated through text messages in 2024.

Google is intensifying its efforts to combat these online threats by integrating artificial intelligence across its various platforms. The company is leveraging AI in Search, Chrome, and Android to identify and block scam attempts more effectively. Google's AI-powered defenses are capable of detecting 20 times more scam pages than before, significantly improving the quality of search results. Furthermore, AI is used to identify fraudulent websites, app notifications, calls, and direct messages, helping to safeguard users from various scam tactics.

A key component of Google's enhanced protection is the integration of Gemini Nano, a lightweight, on-device AI model, into Chrome. This allows for instant identification of scams, even those that haven't been previously encountered. When a user navigates to a potentially dangerous page, Chrome evaluates the page using Gemini Nano, which extracts security signals to determine the intent of the page. This information is then sent to Safe Browsing for a final verdict, adding an extra layer of protection against evolving online threats.

Recommended read:
References :
  • www.eweek.com: Google is intensifying efforts to combat online scams by integrating artificial intelligence across Search, Chrome, and Android, aiming to make fraud more difficult for cybercriminals.
  • www.webroot.com: It all starts so innocently. You get a text saying “Your package couldn’t be delivered. Click here to reschedule.†Little do you know, clicking that link could open the door for scammers to steal your identity, empty your bank account, or even plant malicious software (malware) on your device. Unless you know what to look out

info@thehackernews.com (The@The Hacker News //
Google Chrome is set to integrate on-device AI, leveraging the 'Gemini Nano' large-language model (LLM), to proactively detect and block tech support scams while users browse the web. This new security feature aims to combat malicious websites that deceive users into believing their computers are infected with viruses or have other technical issues. These scams often manifest as full-screen browser windows or persistent pop-ups, designed to make them difficult to close, with the ultimate goal of tricking victims into calling a bogus support number.

Google is addressing the evolving tactics of scammers, who are known to adapt quickly to exploit unsuspecting users. These deceptive practices include expanding pop-ups to full-screen, disabling mouse input to create a sense of urgency, and even playing alarming audio messages to convince users that their computers are locked down. The 'Gemini Nano' model, previously used on Pixel phones, will analyze web pages for suspicious activity, such as the misuse of keyboard lock APIs, to identify potential tech support scams in real-time. This on-device processing is crucial as many malicious sites have a very short lifespan.

When Chrome navigates to a potentially harmful website, the Gemini Nano model will activate and scrutinize the page's intent. The collected data is then sent to Google’s Safe Browsing service for a final assessment, determining whether to display a warning to the user. To alleviate privacy and performance concerns, Google has implemented measures to ensure the LLM is used sparingly, runs locally, and manages resource consumption effectively. Users who have opted-in to the Enhanced Protection setting will have the security signals sent to Google's Safe Browsing service.

Recommended read:
References :
  • bsky.app: Google is implementing a new Chrome security feature that uses the built-in 'Gemini Nano' large-language model (LLM) to detect and block tech support scams while browsing the web.
  • PCMag UK security: Google's Chrome Browser Taps On-Device AI to Catch Tech Support Scams
  • BleepingComputer: Google Chrome to use on-device AI to detect tech support scams
  • thecyberexpress.com: Google is betting on AI
  • The Hacker News: Google Rolls Out On-Device AI Protections to Detect Scams in Chrome and Android
  • Davey Winder: Mobile malicious, misleading, spammy or scammy — Google fights back against Android attacks with new AI-powered notification protection.
  • Malwarebytes: Google announced it will equip Chrome with an AI driven method to detect and block Tech Support Scam websites
  • cyberinsider.com: Google plans to introduce a new security feature in Chrome 137 that uses on-device AI to detect tech support scams in real time.
  • The DefendOps Diaries: Google Chrome's AI-Powered Defense Against Tech Support Scams
  • gbhackers.com: Google Chrome Uses Advanced AI to Combat Sophisticated Online Scams
  • security.googleblog.com: Using AI to stop tech support scams in Chrome
  • cyberpress.org: Chrome 137 Adds Gemini Nano AI to Combat Tech Support Scams
  • The Hacker News: Google Rolls Out On-Device AI Protections to Detect Scams in Chrome and Android
  • thecyberexpress.com: Google Expands On-Device AI to Counter Evolving Online Scams
  • www.eweek.com: Google is intensifying efforts to combat online scams by integrating artificial intelligence across Search, Chrome, and Android, aiming to make fraud more difficult for cybercriminals.
  • CyberInsider: Details on Google Chrome for Android deploying on-device AI to tackle tech support scams.
  • iHLS: discusses Chrome adding on-device AI to detect scams in real time.
  • www.ghacks.net: Google integrates local Gemini AI into Chrome browser for scam protection.

info@thehackernews.com (The@The Hacker News //
Google is integrating its Gemini Nano AI model into the Chrome browser to provide real-time scam protection for users. This enhancement focuses on identifying and blocking malicious websites and activities as they occur, addressing the challenge posed by scam sites that often exist for only a short period. The integration of Gemini Nano into Chrome's Enhanced Protection mode, available since 2020, allows for the analysis of website content to detect subtle signs of scams, such as misleading pop-ups or deceptive tactics.

When a user visits a potentially dangerous page, Chrome uses Gemini Nano to evaluate security signals and determine the intent of the site. This information is then sent to Safe Browsing for a final assessment. If the page is deemed likely to be a scam, Chrome will display a warning to the user, providing options to unsubscribe from notifications or view the blocked content while also allowing users to override the warning if they believe it's unnecessary. This system is designed to adapt to evolving scam tactics, offering a proactive defense against both known and newly emerging threats.

The AI-powered scam detection system has already demonstrated its effectiveness, reportedly catching 20 times more scam-related pages than previous methods. Google also plans to extend this feature to Chrome on Android devices later this year, further expanding protection to mobile users. This initiative follows criticism regarding Gmail phishing scams that mimic law enforcement, highlighting Google's commitment to improving online security across its platforms and safeguarding users from fraudulent activities.

Recommended read:
References :
  • The Official Google Blog: Read our new report on how we use AI to fight scams on Search.
  • Search Engine Journal: How Google Protects Searchers From Scams: Updates Announced
  • www.zdnet.com: How Google's AI combats new scam tactics - and how you can stay one step ahead
  • cyberinsider.com: Google plans to introduce a new security feature in Chrome 137 that uses on-device AI to detect tech support scams in real time.
  • The Hacker News: Google Rolls Out On-Device AI Protections to Detect Scams in Chrome and Android
  • The Hacker News: Google Rolls Out On-Device AI Protections to Detect Scams in Chrome and Android
  • Davey Winder: Google Confirms Android Attack Warnings — Powered By AI
  • securityonline.info: Chrome 137 Uses On-Device Gemini Nano AI to Combat Tech Support Scams
  • BleepingComputer: Google is implementing a new Chrome security feature that uses the built-in 'Gemini Nano' large-language model (LLM) to detect and block tech support scams while browsing the web. [...]
  • The Official Google Blog: How we’re using AI to combat the latest scams
  • The Tech Portal: Google to deploy Gemini Nano AI for real-time scam protection in Chrome
  • www.tomsguide.com: Google is keeping you safe from scams across search and your smartphone
  • www.eweek.com: Google’s Scam-Fighting Efforts Just Got Accelerated, Thanks to AI
  • the-decoder.com: Google deploys AI in Chrome to detect and block online scams.
  • www.techradar.com: Tired of scams? Google is enlisting AI to protect you in Chrome, Google Search, and on Android.
  • Daily CyberSecurity: Chrome 137 Uses On-Device Gemini Nano AI to Combat Tech Support Scams
  • PCMag UK security: Google's Chrome Browser Taps On-Device AI to Catch Tech Support Scams
  • www.searchenginejournal.com: How Google Protects Searchers From Scams: Updates Announced
  • Analytics India Magazine: Google Chrome to Use AI to Stop Tech Support Scams
  • eWEEK: Google’s Scam-Fighting Efforts Just Got Accelerated, Thanks to AI
  • THE DECODER: Google is now using AI models to protect Chrome users from online scams. The article appeared first on .
  • bsky.app: Google Rolls Out On-Device AI Protections to Detect Scams in Chrome and Android
  • The Hacker News: Google Rolls Out On-Device AI Protections to Detect Scams in Chrome and Android
  • techstrong.ai: Google’s Plan to Make Gemini Available to Those Under-13 Is Raising Deep Concerns
  • eWEEK: Google has rolled out a new iOS feature called Simplify that uses Gemini’s large language models to turn dense technical jargon such as what you would find in legal contracts or medical reports into plain, readable language without sacrificing key details.
  • The DefendOps Diaries: Google Chrome's AI-Powered Defense Against Tech Support Scams
  • thecyberexpress.com: Google has released new details on how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used across its platforms to combat a growing wave of online scams. In its latest Fighting Scams in Search report, the company outlines AI-powered systems that are already blocking hundreds of millions of harmful results daily and previews further enhancements being rolled out across Google Search, Chrome, and Android.
  • gHacks Technology News: Scam Protection: Google integrates local Gemini AI into Chrome browser
  • Malwarebytes: Google Chrome will use AI to block tech support scam websites
  • security.googleblog.com: Using AI to stop tech support scams in Chrome
  • bsky.app: Google will use on-device LLMs to detect potential tech support scams and alert Chrome users to possible dangers
  • iHLS: Chrome Adds On-Device AI to Detect Scams in Real Time
  • bsky.app: Google will use on-device LLMs to detect potential tech support scams and alert Chrome users to possible dangers

@PCWorld //
Google Chrome has introduced a new layer of security, integrating AI into its existing "Enhanced protection" feature. This update provides real-time defense against dangerous websites, downloads, and browser extensions, marking a significant upgrade to Chrome's security capabilities. The AI integration allows for immediate analysis of patterns, enabling the identification of suspicious webpages that may not yet be classified as malicious.

This AI-powered security feature is an enhancement of Chrome's Safe Browsing. The technology apparently enables real-time analysis of patterns to identify suspicious or dangerous webpages. The improved protection also extends to deep scanning of downloads to detect suspicious files.

Recommended read:
References :
  • BleepingComputer: Google Chrome has updated the existing "Enhanced protection" feature with AI to offer "real-time" protection against dangerous websites, downloads and extensions.
  • Anonymous ???????? :af:: Google Chrome has updated the existing "Enhanced protection" feature with AI to offer "real-time" protection against dangerous websites, downloads and extensions.
  • PCWorld: Google Chrome adds real-time AI protection against dangerous content