As online and phone scams continue to rise, cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often using AI to impersonate individuals and gain trust. One of the most common tactics used by scammers is tricking victims into sideloading malicious apps, which can give them remote access to the victim’s device. To tackle this growing threat, Google is rolling out a major security update in Android 16 that will disable the ability to sideload apps during phone calls, a move designed to keep users safer from malicious attacks.
Sideloading, the practice of installing apps from third-party sources outside of the official Google Play Store, has long been a weak point in Android’s security ecosystem. While this feature can be useful for advanced users who want apps not available on the Play Store, it also opens the door for scammers to trick unsuspecting users into installing malware-laced apps. Once installed, these apps can give scammers control over the phone, allowing them to steal personal data, send messages, or even access banking apps.
With Android 16, Google is introducing a significant change to this process. The operating system will now block users from sideloading apps while they are engaged in a phone call. This move is aimed at preventing scammers from taking advantage of users who may be distracted or unaware during conversations. By disabling the sideloading feature during calls, Google hopes to make it much harder for scammers to manipulate users into installing harmful apps while they’re not fully focused on their device.
This new security feature is a proactive step to combat the increasing risks associated with online and phone scams. As scammers become more adept at using social engineering tactics, it’s essential for technology companies like Google to evolve their security measures. By preventing sideloading during phone calls, Android 16 is addressing one of the most common methods scammers use to infiltrate devices.
Moreover, this feature will not only provide immediate protection against scams but will also serve as a reminder for users to be cautious when installing apps from sources other than the Google Play Store. Although sideloading can still be enabled in other situations, this new restriction adds a layer of defense, helping users avoid the pitfalls of malware and remote access scams.
As Android 16 rolls out in the coming months, this new security measure will be a crucial tool in the ongoing battle against mobile device fraud, making it harder for scammers to exploit vulnerable users and further enhancing the overall safety of the Android ecosystem.
