We live in a world shaped by artificial intelligence, quantum computing, hybrid cloud infrastructure, and automation. In this technology reliant era; from banking and shopping online to remote work, cyber security emerges not just as a challenge, but as a critical necessity. It is no longer optional. Every tap, click, and search leaves a digital footprint, creating both opportunity and vulnerability in equal measure.  Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics, aiming to outsmart even the most cautious users.

Cyberattacks these days are increasingly difficult to detect and trace.. Scams these days are hyper-personalized, sophisticated, and more difficult to spot. Impersonated e-commerce websites and platforms, cloned customer support portals, deceptive browser pop-ups, and phishing websites are far more convincing than ever before and mimics perfectly the legitimate ones.

Recently, a promising advancement seems to come from Google in the form of Gemini Nano AI -an efficient, on-device artificial intelligence model designed as a personal guardian, offering real-time protection in an increasingly complex and vulnerable digital environment. This is designed for Android devices without the need of a network connection. It runs directly on the device, minimizing latency, eliminating cloud based processing where sensitive data can be processed locally.

Google didn't create Gemini Nano merely to show off its AI muscles but to detect, prevent, and minimize exposure to online frauds before they can hurt users. Gemini Nano is also designed to examine advanced, dynamic web activity patterns in order to detect threats that have not yet been reported. It doesn't simply search for blacklisted URLs or keywords, it learns deception patterns. That means it doesn't simply understand what a scam appeared like yesterday; it can estimate what it will appear like tomorrow.

Let’s what powers Gemini Nano - its key features and capabilities

1. On-device Intelligence

Unlike many security tools that rely on cloud processing, Gemini Nano operates on your device. That means faster, more private protection, and the ability to act in real time – even if you’re offline.

2. Behavioural Analysis

Gemini Nano not only scans websites but makes sense of them. It examines a site's behavior, searching for indicators such as dodgy buttons, suspicious redirects, or urgency techniques that are frequently employed by cyber crooks.

3. Improved Chrome Protection

In Chrome, Gemini Nano drives the ‘Enhanced Protection’ mode, which detects possible phishing sites and notifies Google, allowing for rapid takedown of malicious sites in web.

4. Android Smart Notifications

On Android, Chrome now warns users when a website tries to send deceptive push notifications, with alerts like “Potential scam detected.” 

5. Cloud Processing 

Although Gemini Nano AI features on-device intelligence with no need to have a network connection, however it relies on cloud processing to enhance its security to identify potentially malicious or scam websites, to detect unknown risks on the internet.

6. Improved Search Filters

Gemini Nano also supports AI-driven content classifiers in Search, helping Google demote scammy content like fake support numbers before it ever reaches your screen.

In late April, Google released the session lineup for its I/O 2025 event, featuring a session titled “Gemini Nano on Android: Building with On-Device Gen AI.” According to the session overview, Google plans to unveil a new suite of generative AI APIs powered by Gemini Nano. These APIs aim to simplify the development of features such as text summarization, proofreading, rewriting, and generating image descriptions - all directly on Android devices. 

Other new possibilities that can be explored are:

• Voice scam detection - a Gemini-driven assistant alerting users if a call appears suspicious.
• Real-time fraud protection during mobile payments.
• AI-assisted safety scans while browsing financial or health websites.

In addition to Google, several other major technology companies are also investing heavily in AI-driven cybersecurity solutions. Microsoft Defender employs AI to detect malware, Apple incorporates on-device intelligence for privacy safeguarding, and cybersecurity companies such as Norton and McAfee are also incorporating AI features in their protection tools.

What sets Google apart is its AI’s seamless integration of its AI across everyday platforms: Chrome, Search, and Android. This makes Gemini Nano AI strong in terms of reach and responsiveness. While the traditional antivirus may detect something after the incident, Gemini Nano acts pre-emptively, reducing threats by identifying and neutralizing risks before users even engage with them. Further, while other players continue to stick with server-based AI, Google's on-device strategy implies protection that is quicker and more personalised, an ideal solution for users who prioritize privacy.