Google Play Protect Now Detects Threats in Real Time with Major Security Upgrade
Google has announced a significant overhaul of its built-in security service, Google Play Protect, designed to counter sophisticated new forms of malware—including apps leveraging artificial intelligence to evade detection. The update has already begun rolling out in India and will expand to all Android users worldwide over the coming months.
The enhanced Play Protect, which currently scans 125 billion apps daily, introduces two critical advancements:
- Real-Time Code-Level Scanning for Sideloaded Apps: When installing apps from third-party sources (e.g., via messaging platforms or web links), Play Protect now performs granular code analysis. The system extracts data from APK files, conducts deep cloud-based inspections, and instantly alerts users to threats. This feature specifically targets polymorphic malware, which dynamically alters its code to bypass traditional defenses.
- Automated Permission Revocation: The service can now automatically strip suspicious apps of access to sensitive features like the camera, microphone, or photo library. Users retain the ability to manually restore permissions if flagged incorrectly.
The upgrades respond to escalating cybercrime tactics. According to Data.ai, phishing app attacks have surged by 30% since 2020, with mobile fraud losses now estimated in the billions annually. The revamped Play Protect aims to serve as a "digital shield" for Android's more than 3 billion active devices globally.
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