Security News > 2022 > May > Android and Chrome Users Can Soon Generate Virtual Credit Cards to Protect Real Ones
Google on Wednesday took to its annual developer conference to announce a host of privacy and security updates, including support for virtual credit cards on Android and Chrome.
"When you use autofill to enter your payment details at checkout, virtual cards will add an additional layer of security by replacing your actual card number with a distinct, virtual number," Google's Jen Fitzpatrick said in a statement.
The goal, the search giant, said to keep payment information safe and secure during online shopping and protect users from skimming attacks wherein threat actors inject malicious JavaScript code to plunder credit card numbers and sell them on the black market.
Interestingly, while Apple offers an option to mask email addresses via Hide My Email, which enables users to create unique, random email addresses to use with apps and websites, it's yet to offer a similar option for creating virtual credit cards.
Google said it's expanding phishing protections in Google Workspace to Docs, Slides and Sheets, and that it plans to debut a new "My Ad Center" later this year to give users more control over personalized ads on YouTube, Search, and Discover feed.
What's more, users would be able to request personally identifiable information such as email, phone number, or home address to be removed from search results through a new tool that will be accessible from the Google App.