Yes, Google has yet another version. This time, Google brings together all its Android-related security features and puts them under a new umbrella: Google Play Protect. This means that there is a new house and a name for some of the features you already know. More new features based on new security technologies.
Android is often perceived as less secure and more conducive to malware and viral infections. Part of that is true. With this new initiative, Google is taking steps to inform users about what is secure and what is not secure.
Google Play Protect is deployed on all Android devices using Google Play Services 11 or higher.
What exactly does Google Play Protect play?
Google Play Protect is supposed to be the all-made security pack for Android. At the moment, it does three things: application scanning, browser security, and device tracking.
Play Protect is a set of security checks and certifications. Previously, Google had introduced badges for verified developers to point out that everything was okay. When you see the new Play Protect logo, Google hopes it will have the same effect.
Originally, Play Protect is intended to be a real-time scanner for all applications. This includes the app you're going to install from Play Store, as well as the application you've been using for a few years. Google will do this behind the scenes, and automatically. When something goes wrong, it will try to attract your attention.
More interesting is how Google scans applications. Google uses its prowess of artificial intelligence to gather application analysis data from millions of devices. According to Google, 50 billion applications are digitized every day. Due to the total amount of data being processed, Google knows which applications behave unusually. It can then help you get rid of these applications. You will receive a notification that the application is harmful. Press Uninstall in the notification itself and the application will be deleted from your device.
Even if Google promises that every application developer is verified before the application is downloaded to the Play Store, the reality is quite different. Compared to the Apple App Store, it is still relatively common to install Android on the Play Store. Although there is no word if Google is working to improve the application approval process, the fact that applications are now being scrutinized should help Google detect malware before it has already spread on millions of devices.
Two existing features - Chrome's secure browsing protection and Android Device Manager (now called Find My Device) are also built into Google Play Protect.
Where to find Google Play Protect
Once deployed, you'll find the Burst Play Protect setting in the Google section of your Settings app.
Open the Settings app, select Google> Security, and you'll see the Google Play Protect section at the bottom. It will tell you how long it has been since the last scan.
Press it and you will see the detailed screen of applications that have been scanned recently.
To find the feature in Play Store, drag the sidebar on the left side and search Play Protect.
Android Device Manager becomes Find My Device
It's a rebrand in a rebrand! Welcome to a rebrand sandwich. Once your phone has been updated with the new app, you can go to android.com/find to locate, lock or clear your Android phone.
Download the app, sign in with your Google Account, give access to the application location, and you're all set up. As you'll notice, the Google Play Protect brand is on the new app.
Play Protect does not disrupt Side-Loaded applications
If you're an Android enthusiast and would like to download modified apps that are not available on the Play Store, you may be concerned about Google Play's passive scanning efforts. At this time, Play Protect does not automatically report all sideloaded applications or APK files as malicious software. Although if a sideloaded application is actually harmful, and Google owns the scanned data to support the claim, you will receive a notification.
So do not worry, Google is not trying to turn Android into something like iOS. Also, the best way to make sure your Android phone is not infected is to install only applications from within the Play Store. And even then, be alert to application developers before downloading applications. Be sure to download the official version of popular apps.
How to disable Google Play Protect
If you are on a rooted device, or if you get too many false positives, there is a way to turn off this feature.
Open the Settings app, select Google> Security> Protect Play, and disable the Scan device for security threats.
Only time will tell
It's great to see Google take action to curb malicious software and parasitic apps on Android. And Google certainly has the technology to eliminate it. But it remains to be seen how this will work. Does this method of artificial intelligence work as well as the process of human automation of Apple? We will know when next year's security reports will occur.
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