Google Play Protect security system is becoming more powerful

For years, Google has been working hard to make Android an OS that is as secure as it is functional, without sacrificing the virtues that distinguish it from more restrictive competitors, such as iOS. The company has been taking special care of its app store. After all, that’s where users download most of their apps. Now, the firm has announced more security tools for the Google Play Protect system.

Google Play Protect is a suite of features designed to ensure a safe user experience on Android. Currently, it can scan your apps for potential signs of malware or suspicious behavior to warn you about them, for example. The scan works with both Play Store apps and apps from external sources. It also integrates Find My Device, the lost device tracking system.

Google Play Protect to get new security tools this year

In a new Android Developers’ blog post, Google has revealed that app scanning will be more effective in targeting “malicious applications that try to impersonate financial apps.” One of the most common forms of scam attempts is to clone popular apps and trojanize them. Most of the time, these apps never make it to the Play Store listings, but some may manage to get through. Apps that do manage to slip through don’t usually last long, but in that time, they could have already affected several users. New app scanning capabilities will be another shield against these types of situations.

Google will expand the financial fraud protection pilot to countries with “higher levels of malware-based financial fraud.” Users will continue to receive notifications about potentially dangerous apps from sources outside of Google Play.

“This year we’re working on ways to make it even harder for malicious actors to hide or trick users into harmful installs, which will not only protect your business from fraud but also help users download your apps with confidence,” the blog stated.

Malware makers are more active than ever

The post also warned of an increase in scam attempts via malware. The company detected “50 times more Android malware” from sources outside the Play Store. This suggests that users should download apps only from the Play Store whenever possible. Of course, you should avoid downloading apps from links or ads that redirect you to websites outside the Google App Store.

Lastly, selected VPN apps will receive a “verified badge.” The badge will indicate that they are truly safe to use, which is especially essential for VPNs.

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