Chrome browser uses AI to detect tech support scams

Google is enhancing Chrome’s security by implementing on-device AI technology to combat tech support scams in real-time. This AI-powered protection addresses a persistent threat where scammers create convincing fake security alerts to trick users into paying for unnecessary services. By integrating Gemini Nano directly into the browser, Google aims to detect and block these scams as they appear, even when traditional security measures might miss them.

The big picture: Google will deploy Gemini Nano, an on-device large language model, in Chrome version 137 to identify and neutralize tech support scams that have plagued users for years.

• These scams typically appear as pop-ups mimicking legitimate security alerts, complete with alarming messages and phone numbers for “assistance.”
• The new AI security feature will analyze potentially malicious pages in real-time, evaluating their content and intent before determining if a warning should be displayed to users.

Why this matters: Traditional security measures often can’t keep pace with rapidly evolving scam tactics that increasingly exploit browser functions to create convincing false emergencies.

• Google notes that “the average malicious site exists for less than 10 minutes,” making real-time, on-device detection crucial for protecting users.
• Scammers have developed sophisticated techniques that include expanding pop-ups to full-screen, disabling mouse input, and playing alarming audio to create a sense of panic.

How it works: When Chrome navigates to a suspicious webpage, the Gemini Nano model activates to analyze browser processes that might indicate a tech support scam.

• The AI model examines the page’s content and intent, then sends this data to Google’s Safe Browsing service for final verification.
• If deemed malicious, Chrome displays a warning to alert the user about the potential threat.

Behind the numbers: Google’s implementation follows Microsoft’s similar move to integrate AI-powered capabilities in its Edge browser to combat “scareware” pop-ups.

• The company’s choice of Gemini Nano, which first appeared on Pixel phones, reflects the need for a model small enough to run directly on users’ devices while still being powerful enough for effective threat detection.