Google Revamping Gmail and Android Security -- Security Today

Google Revamping Gmail and Android Security

Currently, Google Account users grant an app a lot of permissions to access their Google Account data in one fell swoop. After the changes are implemented, consumers will be able to grant or deny each permission individually.

By Jessica Davis
Oct 10, 2018

Google will soon be offering Android users more specific control over Google Account data they can choose to share with third-party apps with Google’s application programming interfaces (APIs). Google announced this and other changes to Android and Gmail security in a post on their Google Developers blog Monday.

The changes come as part of “Project Strobe,” in which Google is reviewing third-party developer access to Google account and Android device data. In turn, Project Strobe comes after after questions from U.S. lawmakers about the ways Google controls and monitors third-party developer access to Gmail content and user data following a July report alleging employees of third-party developers often access Gmail content.

For example, if a developer requests access to Google Calendar data and Google Drive, a user can allow access to one and deny access to the other as they choose. The change gives the user more control over their own data.

On their blog, Google recommends to app developers that they request permission to access Google Account data only when necessary. They also suggest that developers include a clear explanation of why the app needs access to user data and what user data will be used for.

Next year, Google will also restrict access to Gmail content to apps that directly work to enhance email functionality.

These changes will roll out to new clients beginning this month and will be extended to existing clients early next year.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

AI Used as Part of Sophisticated Espionage Campaign

A cybersecurity inflection point has been reached in which AI models has become genuinely useful in cybersecurity operation. But to no surprise, they can used for both good works and ill will. Systemic evaluations show cyber capabilities double in six months, and they have been tracking real-world cyberattacks showing how malicious actors were using AI capabilities. These capabilities were predicted and are expected to evolve, but what stood out for researchers was how quickly they have done so, at scale. Read Now
- Artificial Intelligence
Why the Future of Video Security Is Happening Outside the Cloud

For years, the cloud has captivated the physical security industry. And for good reasons. Remote access, elastic scalability and simplified maintenance reshaped how we think about deploying and managing systems. Read Now
- Video Surveillance
UL Solutions Launches Artificial Intelligence Safety Certification Services

UL Solutions Inc., a global leader in safety science, today announced the launch of artificial intelligence (AI) safety certification services, enabling comprehensive assessments for evaluating the safety of AI-powered products. Read Now
- Artificial Intelligence
ESA Announces Initiative to Introduce the SECURE Act in State Legislatures

The Electronic Security Association (ESA), the national voice for the electronic security and life safety industry, has announced plans to introduce the SECURE Act in state legislatures across the country beginning in 2025. The proposal, known as Safeguarding Election Candidates Using Reasonable Expenditures, provides a clear framework that allows candidates and elected officials to use campaign funds for professional security services. Read Now
- Guard Services
Ransomware Attacks Rise for the First Time in Six Months

Ransomware attacks have risen for the first time in six months, increasing by 28% month-on-month to 421 attacks. While overall attack volume remained below 500, the uptick may signal a renewed escalation heading into the year’s most active period for cyber criminals. Read Now
- Cybersecurity

Security Today eNews

Sign up today for essential industry news and product information that can help you stay afloat in the fast-paced world of security.

Email Address*Country*

Please type the letters/numbers you see above.

Webinars

Whitepapers

New Products

Unified VMS

AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities
QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.
AC Nio

Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.