Malwarebytes Rebuilds Mobile Security to Combat AI-Powered Scams
Malwarebytes has overhauled its Mobile Security product, introducing AI-driven features to combat the rising tide of sophisticated phone scams, including those powered by artificial intelligence.
Nearly half of individuals report encountering a scam on their mobile devices daily, according to a 2025 Malwarebytes survey. This alarming statistic underscores the growing threat landscape, where scams are no longer confined to simple phishing attempts but have evolved into complex, AI-enhanced operations. The survey revealed that a quarter of victims faced harassment or blackmail, nearly one in five had their private information exposed, and 15% suffered financial losses, highlighting the severe personal and financial impact of these mobile threats.
Mobile devices have become prime targets for scammers due to their central role in daily life, facilitating banking, communication, and shopping. Scams now manifest across multiple vectors, including deceptive text messages, spoofed calls from seemingly trusted numbers, and direct messages on social media platforms. The increasing sophistication of these attacks is amplified by artificial intelligence, making them significantly harder for users to detect. Malwarebytes research indicates that half of users feel unprepared for AI-driven threats, and their Scam Guard data shows phone scams are now among the top five most encountered scam types.
Many users mistakenly believe their device's built-in security features are sufficient protection. However, data from Malwarebytes shows that a majority of smartphone owners, 55% of iPhone users and 50% of Android users, rely solely on these native protections. This over-reliance leaves them vulnerable, especially as the volume of mobile malware continues to grow. Malwarebytes detected over 800,000 distinct Android malware strains last year and anticipates this number to exceed one million in 2026, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures beyond basic device locks.
In response to these evolving threats, Malwarebytes has rebuilt its Mobile Security product with a primary focus on scam protection. The updated offering integrates several new features designed to proactively defend users. A key addition is Scam Guard, a free AI-powered tool available on both Android and iOS. This feature analyzes suspicious texts, emails, phone numbers, and links, providing users with an instant assessment of potential scam risks and actionable advice.
Malwarebytes Mobile Security also boasts significantly enhanced Text and Call Protection. The updated filtering mechanisms are more adept at reviewing shortened links and flagging suspicious content, such as language indicative of romance scams or unexpected financial requests, before they reach the user's inbox. Call Protection actively checks incoming calls against known scam and spam numbers, allowing for automatic blocking or flagging, thereby reducing the risk of users answering fraudulent calls. While the iOS version is live, the Android rollout is expected later this summer.
Beyond direct scam detection, the product includes the Malwarebytes Digital Footprint Portal, a free scanner that identifies exposed personal details like passwords and Social Security numbers, offering guidance on how to secure them. The Trusted Advisor feature provides users with a 'Protection Score' for their device, along with tailored recommendations for strengthening security, such as adjusting settings, managing permissions, or performing system updates. Additionally, expanded ad blocking on iOS now filters Google Sponsored Ads in Safari, a browser frequently exploited by scammers, and an Android Junk Cleaner helps maintain device performance by removing unnecessary files.
The comprehensive suite also includes a Malware Scanner and Real-Time Protection for Android, which detect and remove malware, ransomware, and potentially unwanted programs. For iOS users, Wi-Fi Monitoring alerts them to insecure network connections, prompting them to activate their VPN. Malwarebytes Privacy VPN further ensures user privacy with a secure connection and a strict no-logs policy. By consolidating these tools, Malwarebytes aims to provide users with the confidence to use their phones without constant worry about scams and privacy breaches.