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Microsoft is adding a Phone Link panel to the start menu of Windows 11 to improve the user experience for managing Android devices. The panel provides an overview of the Android device's status, including connection status and battery level, and features direct access buttons for Messages, Calls, and Photos. It includes a 'Recent' section for the latest phone calls, text messages, and images, while notifications can be received as banners. The Phone Link app can also stream Android apps to Windows 11 PCs, with file transfer capabilities through a 'send files' button. This feature is being rolled out to all Windows 11 users after being available to Beta and Dev channel users for several months.
Google has introduced a suite of security tools for Android users to protect against various threats, including:
1. Protection against Scam Calls: Alerts users to potential scam calls and blocks harmful actions, focusing on disabling Google Play Protect, preventing sideloading of unverified apps, and restricting accessibility permissions.
2. In-call Protections for Banking Apps: A feature that warns users when they open banking apps while sharing their screen with unknown callers, starting in the UK, and automatically enabled for participating banks on devices running Android 11 or higher.
3. Improved Scam Detection in Google Messages: Enhanced scam detection capabilities that now cover a wider range of scams, including toll road, cryptocurrency, financial impersonation, gift card, and technical support scams.
4. Better Encryption for Text Messages via Key Verifier: A tool that allows users to confirm contacts' identities through public encryption keys, enhancing privacy and security.
5. Stronger Mobile Phone Theft Protection: Expanded theft protection features, including the Identity Check tool, restrictions on unauthorized factory resets, and obscured one-time passwords on the lock screen.
6. Advanced Protection for Mobile Devices: An Advanced Protection Program offering cryptographic verification for all login operations, available on devices running Android 16.
7. Improvements to Google Play Protect: Upgrades to identify malicious apps before installation and live threat detection to alert users of suspicious app behavior.
8. Enhancing Overall Android Security: Ongoing commitment to improve Android security through regular updates and new tools to protect users from evolving cyber threats.
Google Play Protect is set to enhance its security features to better defend against malicious applications. The upcoming update will include the ability to detect changes in app icons, alerting users when an app alters its icon, a tactic used by malicious developers. Additionally, Google Play Protect will improve its on-device malware detection capabilities by implementing new rules to identify specific text or binary patterns associated with known malware families. These enhancements aim to provide users with timely alerts before installing potentially harmful applications, significantly reducing the risk of malware. The new icon detection feature will roll out in the coming months, initially available on the Pixel 6 series and select devices from other manufacturers. The on-device rules will be updated regularly to address emerging threats, and the enhanced malware scanning capability will be accessible to all Android users with Google Play Services.
The Kaleidoscope attack is an ad-fraud scheme targeting Android users by tricking them into downloading malicious versions of legitimate apps, primarily via third-party app stores. Approximately 2.5 million devices are infected each month, with notable occurrences in India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brazil. Users are advised to uninstall suspicious apps and avoid downloading from unverified sources to protect their devices.
Kaleidoscope is an ad-fraud attack targeting Android users by exploiting legitimate applications on the Google Play Store and offering malicious duplicates through third-party app stores. Approximately 2.5 million devices are affected monthly, with 20% of incidents occurring in India, and other impacted regions include Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brazil. Users unknowingly download legitimate-looking apps while malicious versions circulate elsewhere, leading to intrusive advertisements that disrupt user experience and generate revenue for cybercriminals. Google has removed flagged titles from the Play Store and is enhancing protections, but ad resellers often fail to properly vet their inventory. The adware causes device overheating, rapid battery drain, and sluggish performance, highlighting the need for user vigilance.
The latest update to Windows 11 allows Android users to wirelessly access their device's storage directly from File Explorer. To connect an Android device to Windows 11, users need to enable access in the Settings app, download the Link to Windows app if prompted, and confirm the connection using a QR code and verification code. Once connected, users can browse their Android storage through File Explorer, view storage usage, and access various folders like Cameras, Documents, and more. The recycle bin on the Android device will display deleted files for up to 30 days.
Android now supports OpenID standards for digital credential presentation and issuance, allowing users to securely store and send cryptographically verifiable digital documents across apps. Google has expanded access to its Digital ID capabilities via the Wallet app for U.K. residents, promoting interoperability among applications managing digital identities. The Android platform now includes native support for OpenID4VP and OpenID4VCI through the Credential Manager's DigitalCredential API, enabling apps to incorporate various digital documents like educational certifications and insurance policies. Users can share credentials securely between devices using CTAP protocols and select appropriate credentials without specifying a digital wallet app. Digital credentials will be usable for account recovery on platforms like Amazon, accessing health services through CVS and MyChart, and verifying identities on services like Uber and Bumble. Samsung Wallet and 1Password will also support the storage of digital credentials, enhancing the ecosystem of digital wallets adhering to OpenID standards.
Users can access Linux machines on a local area network using SSH commands from an Android phone, with various applications available on the Google Play Store.
1. JuiceSSH is a popular SSH client for Android that features font size adjustment, identity management, automatic script execution, plugins, themes, and external keyboard support. The Pro version offers additional features for a one-time fee of .99.
2. Termius is another SSH client that provides cloud-based encrypted storage for connection configurations, a connection manager, SSH key authentication, and SFTP support. The Pro version includes advanced features and requires account setup, but the app is free with optional in-app purchases.
3. Termux serves as a terminal emulator that allows users to run Linux commands, including SSH, after installing the openssh package. It is free to install and use.
4. ConnectBot is an open-source SSH client that offers a clean interface, color categories, font size customization, SSH key authentication, and persistent connections across multiple machines. It is also free to install and use.
Recent updates to Android enable users to access a full Linux environment and install SSH using the command apt install openssh-client.
Android 15 includes a fully functional Linux terminal, allowing users to execute familiar commands, though running GUI applications can be challenging. With Android 16, the terminal receives more space. Users can connect to remote machines via SSH by configuring the SSH config file for easier access. The terminal serves as a platform for learning the Linux command line, executing commands, and accessing manuals. Developers can use it for coding, with Python pre-installed, and can create applications directly on their devices. The terminal also supports the installation of the MariaDB database server for database management. Additionally, users can create hidden files for storing sensitive notes using the Nano editor.
