Malware is once again one of the biggest concerns for users right now. This is normal, as in recent weeks we've seen one of the most purchased apps by users, Virus Shield, was simply a hoax, and OpenSSL, one of the most widely used encryption systems, had a serious security problem. Google seems to be about to launch a service that monitors apps for malware.
It is true that the vast majority of us can say that we have never had one. malicious app installed on your smartphone. And while it's often said that Android has a high percentage of the world's malicious apps, the truth is that the percentage of phones that can be infected is actually small. Even so, Google continues to try to improve the security of its operating system, and to do so it has created a service that, according to The Verge, will be launched soon.
This service would be dedicated to monitor all applications that we install on our smartphone, whether from the Play Store, the Amazon App Store, or any other app store. It analyzes apps to try to locate malware, and if it finds it, warn us through a notification that the application could be malicious. It would then be the user who could decide whether to stop installing the application, or continue with its installation. Obviously, the latter could infect the smartphone.
The new installed application monitoring service is expected to arrive in a future update for the operating system. It's even possible that it will arrive with an update to Google settings, so that we can have this new service active without having to perform a major update to the operating system. Whatever the case, it is necessary for Google to launch some service of this type. Really, the malware issue is not a concern, but no one will rest easy if it isn't. Google who takes action on the matter.
Source: The Verge.
What is Google Play Protect and what does it do?
Google Play Protect It is Android's built-in security service that verifies apps before downloading them and continuously scans the device to detect potentially harmful applications (malware) even if they come from external sources. In addition to alerting, it can deactivate o delete harmful apps automatically, and prevent unverified installations that abuse sensitive permissions.
- Check the security of apps on Google Play before downloading.
- Analyze periodically the device and apps from other sources.
- Avisa of software that violates the Unwanted Software Policy.
- Reset permissions of rarely used apps to protect your privacy.
- Blocks facilities with high-risk permits used in fraud.
How to activate, manage, and check Play Protect
Play Protect is enabled by default, but you can check it from Google Play Store, profile icon, section Play Protect and its adjustments. There you can enable app analysis and the option “Improve the detection of malicious apps” to submit unknown apps to Google and improve overall detection.
To check the Play Protect certification from the device, go to Google Play Store, profile, Configuration and section Information. If you see warnings like “Uncertified device”, use the guided correction option offered by the Play Store itself.
What happens when a threat is detected
If an app is suspicious, you will receive a notification to uninstall it; in severe cases it may remain inabilited until its elimination, and even be automatically deletedIn all cases, Play Protect will inform you of the reason and the level of risk detected.
Proactive protection and privacy
To protect yourself from malicious software and harmful URLs, Google may receive data such as network connections, potentially dangerous URLs, and system/app details required for evaluation. Some options can be deactivate in settings, although Google may continue to receive information from apps installed from Play as part of the security ecosystem.
Deprecated app permissions and privacy alerts
Play Protect can reset permissions apps that you don't use for a long time, to limit unnecessary access to your data. It will also notify you if an app is removed from the Play Store for improper access to personal information, facilitating its immediate uninstallation.
If you are a developer
Developers may have to submit new versions of their apps for evaluation. If an app is flagged as harmful, it is key to review the app's policy Unwanted Software, correct the behavior and resubmit for verification, ensuring transparency, data security and respect for permissions.
Complementary tools and good practices
In addition to Play Protect, a second opinion with Virus Total Mobile allows you to compare apps with multiple antivirus engines (it does not offer real-time protection). At the web level, the Secure browsing and Search Console help identify and clean malicious or unwanted software on sites, with guides for transparency, non-deceptive changes, data protection and clear uninstalls.
Take a holistic approach: use strong passwords and two-step authentication, keep Android and apps updated, limits permissions and monitors installation sources. In corporate environments, solutions such as digital threat monitoring They complement the defense by detecting brand, executive and supply chain exposure in external sources.
With these capabilities, Play Protect consolidates itself as the first line of defense on Android: check, analyzes, blocks y fixes at scale, while giving you control, transparency, and options to strengthen your mobile security every day.