#CallGuard

[micro-pc-tech]

Google's CallGuard - Against Telephone Scams

Google's CallGuard: Real-Time Defense Against Telephone Scams

Telephone scams can be devastating, preying on unsuspecting individuals and leading to significant financial losses. However, as technology continues to advance, so do the tools available to combat fraudsters. At Google I/O 2024, the company's annual developers conference, a groundbreaking announcement was made regarding upcoming scam-detection tools for Android phones, leveraging Google's powerful artificial intelligence tool, Gemini.

Google's innovative approach involves real-time detection of fraudulent activities while the scammer is still on the call. Once Gemini identifies suspicious wording or patterns during the conversation, an alert swiftly appears on the user's phone screen, warning them of a potential scam in progress. The example showcased at the event featured a prominent red pop-up window displaying a message like, "Likely scam: Banks will never ask you to move your money to keep it safe," accompanied by options to end or continue the call.

While the prospect of AI monitoring phone calls may raise concerns about privacy, Google reassures users that all detection processes occur locally on the device, safeguarding sensitive information. Although an official release date for the feature was not disclosed, ongoing testing indicates Google's commitment to refining and perfecting this essential tool for consumer protection.

This significant development aligns with the broader industry trend of integrating advanced fraud-detection mechanisms into telecommunications. Microsoft introduced a similar feature earlier, known as Azure Operator Call Protection, offering it as an option for mobile carriers to provide to subscribers.

Despite regulatory efforts and technological advancements, scam calls persist, plaguing phone users worldwide. Studies reveal that the average phone receives approximately 14 spam calls per month, highlighting the pervasive nature of this issue. Moreover, scammers employ increasingly sophisticated tactics, including AI-generated celebrity voices, to deceive unsuspecting victims.

In response to this escalating threat, regulatory bodies such as the Federal Communications Commission have taken decisive action to combat illegal robocalls. In February, the FCC ruled that AI-generated scam calls, including those impersonating public figures like Taylor Swift or President Joe Biden, are illegal, empowering states to pursue legal action against perpetrators.

As technology evolves, so too must our strategies for combating fraud. Google's pioneering efforts in real-time scam detection represent a crucial step forward in protecting consumers from the pervasive threat of telephone scams. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, we can mitigate risks and empower individuals to safeguard their financial well-being in an increasingly digital world.

NEWS REF SOURCE https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/google-announces-it-will-monitor-phone-calls-in-real-time-for-scam-alerts/

[jamieclawhorn]

Could these two small-cap growth champions make you a million?

Eckoh (LSE: ECK) is not your typical growth stock. After a successful 2013 and 2014, the company floundered for two years before finally waking up at the beginning of this year. 

Year-to-date shares in the company have gained 40% thanks to improved trading, and it looks as if this is set to continue. According to a trading update from the firm today, for the six months to the end of September, the group achieved double-digit percentage year-on-year growth in both revenue and gross profit. 

In the UK, trading is going to plan with revenue coming in at a similar level to the same period last year. Heading into the second half, management reports that the firm has a robust pipeline of deals in progress. Over in the US, where management has been concentrating on growth, the push is going well with seven contract wins worth $5.1m secured during the half year, up from three wins worth $2.7m the year before. 

Since 2014 when Eckoh entered the US market, the firm has won 30 contracts and growth is picking up. The company has secured the same volume of contracts during the past six months as were won during the full 12-month period ending 31 March 2017.

Global leader 

Eckoh is a global provider of secure payment products and customer contact solutions, which include the group’s patented CallGuard software that can be deployed on a client’s site to remove sensitive personal and payment data from contact centres. The company is capitalising on the shift away from brick & mortar stores towards an online shopping experience as consumers seek more for less. And as this market expands, City analysts are expecting big things from the firm. 

Indeed, the they are forecasting earnings per share growth of 172% for the fiscal year ending 31 March 2018, followed by growth of 16% for the following financial year. Looking at today’s trading update, it would appear that the company is on track to hit these targets. Even though the shares look pricey, trading at a forward P/E of 31.5, considering Eckoh’s explosive growth rate, I believe investors will be able to pocket a healthy profit even buying at this level. 

Exceptional level of demand 

Another top growth champion is Microgen (LSE: MCGN). Over the past year, its shares have risen 140% as demand for the company’s services has exploded. 

The tech company reported earnings growth of 28% and 34% for 2015 and 2016, respectively. It looks as if the group is on track to report a similar performance this year. At the beginning of July, management reported that there had been an “exceptional level of demand” for its Aptitude Software, which is designed for the financial services industry. 

I believe that as regulators demand more of financial firms, all of which are trying to keep costs low, companies like Microgen will benefit as software takes the place of humans. And the City seems to agree. Analysts are projecting earnings per share growth of 24% for 2017 and 20% for 2018 justifying the high valuation of 28.7 times forward earnings. But considering the high level of demand for the latest products, I believe that the firm could smash City expectations for this year, which would mean that this valuation is out of date. 

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Rupert Hargreaves owns no share mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.