Kaspersky boosts mobile spam safeguards with new app feature

Kaspersky has introduced an enhanced feature to its mobile app, Kaspersky Who Calls, to bolster the defence against mobile spam, scams, and fraudulent calls. The latest update permits users to block incoming calls from numbers not saved in their contact lists. This addition also includes the ability to receive alerts about the origins of such calls, which may serve as a beneficial safeguard for seniors and young children against potential scammers.

Phone calls continue to be a predominant method for executing scams globally. Various reports from countries such as Malaysia, the UK, Singapore, and Australia confirm that phone calls are among the top three tools frequently utilised by scammers. Given these trends, there is an ongoing necessity to implement proactive measures to enhance privacy and personal security on mobile devices.

The new feature, integrated into Kaspersky Who Calls, blocks calls from numbers not present in the user's contact list and from hidden numbers. This functionality represents a significant step forward in fortifying protection against unsolicited communication and possible scams.

Upon activation of this feature, Kaspersky Who Calls will automatically block calls from unknown numbers and provide immediate notifications to the user. Users have the option to configure this setting and choose whether or not to receive notifications. Suppose a blocked number is linked with established institutions such as banks, medical centres, or consumer services companies. In that case, this information will be included in the pop-up notification, informing users about who attempted to reach them. This improvement aims to enhance user control and safety.

The new feature is accessible in the paid version of Kaspersky Who Calls. Users must navigate the app to Settings, select Incoming calls, and scroll to Spam categories to enable it. Notably, this option to block calls from unknown numbers is available only for the Android platform.

Marina Titova, Vice-President of Consumer Product Marketing at Kaspersky, commented on the update, stating, "With our latest update to the Kaspersky Who Calls app, we’re giving our customers the opportunity to limit undesirable calls and to be sure that only familiar and trusted callers can reach them. Our focus remains on delivering practical, user-friendly solutions that enhance privacy control and keep everyday interactions secure and uninterrupted."

Introducing this enhanced feature to Kaspersky Who Calls underscores the ongoing efforts to improve mobile security and protect users from the growing threat of phone-based scams. The app provides a robust tool for safeguarding personal information and ensuring peace of mind by allowing users to block unknown numbers and receive detailed alerts about call origins. 

Established in 1997 by Eugene Kaspersky and headquartered in Moscow, Russia, Kaspersky has become a prominent player in the cybersecurity industry. The company offers a wide range of products and services, including antivirus software, endpoint protection solutions, threat intelligence, and cybersecurity consulting. Kaspersky's technologies protect over 400 million users and 250,000 corporate clients worldwide, emphasising innovation, reliability, and a commitment to cybersecurity education and research.