Google Wallet safer to use compared to credit cards – only if you don’t root your phone
According to Google, Google Wallet is safer to use compared to credit cards, only if you don’t root your Android device.
Osama Bedier, VP of Google Wallet and Payments, said on the Google Commerce blog, “Google Wallet offers advantages over the plastic cards and folded wallets in use today.
“That’s why in most cases, rooting your phone will cause your Google Wallet data to be automatically wiped from the device.”
This announcement comes after Google’s wireless payment system was hacked. Google Wallet is still not available in the UK, but is said to land in the UK before the London Olympics kicks off. Developers at Zvelo, a security website, revealed that the PIN verification system can be bypassed with rooted handsets. Furthermore, according to another report, Wallet credits could be stolen by stealing the phone, clearing data, and an app reinstallation.
Provisioning prepaid cards has been temporarily disabled by Google, until a permanent fix to the problem has been developed.
Google adds, “Mobile payments are going to become more common in the coming years and we will learn much more as we continue to develop Google Wallet. In the meantime, you can be confident that the digital wallet you carry provides defenses that plastic and leather simply don’t.”
Once Google Wallet does land in the UK, will you be excited to use it on your Samsung Galaxy Nexus or Nexus S, or are you too afraid of the security risks? Give us your thoughts.
