Prevent Fraud, Android 16 Presents Anti-Sideload Feature On Call

JAKARTA Google launched Android 16 beta 2 for developers on February 13. In the testing version, it can be seen that Android 16 will present an anti-fraud feature when making a call.

In the midst of technological developments, there are many types of fraud that continue to target the public. The mode of fraud is very diverse and the most common thing is to share two-factor authentication or download applications based on fraud directions.

Google wants to prevent the second mode of fraud so that users' devices are not hacked because of malicious software. Based on Android Authority findings, this latest security feature will make it difficult for users to sideload during calls.

Sideload is an act of downloading apps from outside the official app store, either via USB, Bluetooth, or downloading from the website. If the user is directed to download the app by the fraudster, this action will be blocked by the Android system.

This is a security feature needed by smartphone users. Many users often download malware without realizing it. The impact is that fraudsters can access their sensitive data, including financial applications on victims' phones.

Some people can be deceived because they don't know the method of spreading malware through the application so that this security feature is developed. In the security feature development code, there are two strings that can be seen with an explanation of the function of the feature.

The sideloading capability will be turned off by default by the system during the call. However, for users who feel they will not be easily fooled by this fraud method, they can reactivate the feature.

Android phone users only need to open Settings, search for the App menu, then tap the Special App Access option. After that, activate the feature by tapping the Unknown Install App option. Users with tight protection mode will not be able to change the permission.