Google Announces Google Play Protect Upgrades to Protect Against Malware Threats

Highlights

• Google Play Protect’s latest update enhances Android’s malware detection and prevention.
• Introduces real-time scanning at the code level for newly downloaded apps.
• Currently available in India and select countries.
• Google advises caution with app installations.

Malware threats are ever evolving and every tech company is constantly working to stay ahead of the curve.

Google has recently announced some major upgrades to the built-in antivirus software of Android to provide better protection from malicious apps.

Google revealed in its latest blog post that the latest Google Play Protect update aims to enhance the Android’s ability to detect and prevent malware.

The update will also ensure it offers real-time scanning to identify threats more effectively.

Google Play Protect comes pre-installed on all Android devices and it works by scanning apps for malware. It scans all apps including those already installed and any new ones downloaded.

According to a recent Google blog, Play Protect scans over 125 billion apps daily.

However, cybercriminals often find ways to bypass such security using tactics like polymorphic malware.

Malware constantly evolve to evade detection and use various techniques to trick users into downloading harmful apps.

Google is now introducing real-time scanning at the code level.

Once this feature is updated on Android phones, Play Protect will automatically scan in real-time any newly downloaded app that has not been scanned before. This will help Google in evaluating the app’s code in detail.

It will then provide users with a report if the app is safe to install.

The real-time scanning feature is currently available in India and other select countries. Google plans for a global rollout in the near future.

Meanwhile, Google also advised users in the blog post to be cautious when installing any apps.

Google recommends avoiding sideloading apps from unofficial sources, as they don’t undergo the same security checks as those on the Google Play Store or other trusted platforms like the Amazon Appstore or Samsung Galaxy Store.

Moreover, users are also advised to be wary of suspicious links or attachments from unknown contacts.

Apart from Google Play Protect, Android users can also enhance the security of their devices by installing third-party antivirus apps such as Bitdefender Mobile Security or Norton Mobile Security.

These apps offer extra protection against potential malware threats.

More details about Google’s real-time scanning feature will most likely emerge soon.

FAQs

Q1. What is the latest update in Google Play Protect to enhance malware detection?

Answer. Google Play Protect’s latest update introduces real-time scanning at the code level, automatically scanning newly downloaded apps to provide detailed safety reports.

Q2. Where is the real-time scanning feature of Google Play Protect available?

Answer. Google Play Protect’s real-time scanning feature is currently available in India and select countries, with plans for a global rollout in the near future.

Q3. What precautions does Google advise users to take when installing apps?

Answer. Google recommends avoiding sideloading apps from unofficial sources and being wary of suspicious links or attachments from unknown contacts.

Also Read : Google is targeting iPhone users with ads to promote its own apps

Also Read : Google App Delisting in India