Google has recently announced a significant enhancement to its built-in security engine, Google Play Protect, on Android devices. The update involves real-time analysis of app code to prevent potentially harmful apps from being installed on smartphones.

Being unveiled in October, this feature primarily targets malicious or fake sideloaded apps. It is highly recommended that users conduct a real-time app scan for any new app that has never been scanned before. The scanning process involves extracting vital signals from the app and evaluating them at the code level to determine the app’s safety.

This new scanning feature has been introduced to combat the growing issue of predatory loan apps. Such apps have caused harassment and worse, resulting in some victims tragically taking their own lives. Google has already removed more than 3,500 predatory loan apps from its platform for violating policy requirements.

Initially launched in India, the Play Protect update will soon be expanding worldwide. It has proven to be highly effective, successfully blocking nearly all of the tested malicious apps. However, a few predatory loan apps managed to evade detection and were installed despite the enhanced security measures. Additionally, Play Protect has successfully identified and labeled spyware and stalkerware apps as harmful, preventing their installation on Android devices.

Despite these successes, some predatory loan apps disguised as popular Android apps have managed to bypass the Play Protect update. Furthermore, fake versions of well-known apps have also been allowed to be installed, leaving users wondering about the intentions behind their development.

Google remains committed to evolving and improving Play Protect’s capabilities to effectively combat new types of threats that arise within the Android ecosystem. While sideloading allows users to install any Android app, it is essential to recognize the associated risks, making real-time app scanning a crucial line of defense for billions of Android users.

Overall, the introduction of real-time app code analysis by Google Play Protect is undoubtedly a significant step towards enhancing user safety and preventing the installation of potentially harmful apps. With the continuous evolution of Play Protect’s capabilities, Android users can expect an even more secure environment in the future.