Play Protect, which is available on every Android device with Google Play Services, currently scans 125 billion apps daily to prevent the spread of malware. Despite these measures, there are still concerns over Android malware, with hackers often distributing malware disguised as legitimate apps. The new scanning feature has begun rolling out in select countries, starting with India, and will be available globally in the coming months.
Key takeaways:
- Google is upgrading Android’s Play Protect malware protection system to better detect malicious apps that alter their identifiable features to avoid detection.
- The update comes in response to the rise of "polymorphic malware," which is harder for Google’s existing systems to detect. Play Protect will now recommend a real-time app scan when installing apps that haven’t been scanned before.
- Google Play Protect is available on every Android device equipped with Google Play Services and currently scans 125 billion apps each day to prevent the spread of malware and other unwanted software.
- The new scanning feature has already started rolling out in select countries, starting with India, and will be available in all regions in the coming months.