Google Play Protect, the mobile security service by Google, is taking a step further in ensuring the safety of app downloads from sources other than Google Play. The service is introducing a new feature of real-time app scanning, which will utilize on-device machine learning and similarity comparisons to detect and prevent the installation of apps with malicious code.
This groundbreaking feature is designed to combat polymorphic apps, which are particularly troublesome as they change their identifiable features to avoid detection. By employing on-device machine learning and similarity comparisons, Google Play Protect will be able to effectively identify and block such apps, keeping users’ devices safe.
The scanning process involves extracting important “signals” from the app and sending them to the Play Protect backend for code-level evaluation. This approach ensures that the scanning is done in real-time, reducing the chances of users unknowingly installing harmful apps.
Once the analysis is completed, users will receive a result indicating whether the app is safe to install or potentially harmful. This instant feedback system will empower users to make informed decisions about the apps they choose to download, ultimately enhancing the overall security of their devices.
While this feature is sure to be welcomed by users worldwide, Google Play Protect is initially rolling it out to users in India. However, Google intends to expand its availability to other regions in the coming months.
In conclusion, Google Play Protect’s introduction of real-time app scanning is a significant step towards bolstering the security of app downloads from non-Google Play sources. By utilizing on-device machine learning and similarity comparisons, the service aims to detect and prevent the installation of apps with malicious code. This proactive approach will help combat the growing problem of polymorphic apps and ensure users’ devices are safer. Although initially available only in India, the feature will be accessible to users in other regions soon.
