Google has taken a formidable step in the ongoing battle against hackers who continually devise new methods to compromise Android devices. In a recent blog post, the tech giant unveiled a substantial enhancement to its Android Play Protect security feature.
According to the announcement, Google Play Protect will now conduct real-time code-level scans of apps to detect any signs of potentially malicious behavior. This advanced scanning method extracts critical information from the app and transmits it to the Play Protect backend infrastructure for a comprehensive code-level evaluation. Subsequently, users will receive a clear result indicating whether the app is safe to install or if the scan has identified potential harm.
This upgrade from Google is a significant defense against polymorphic apps, which employ techniques like artificial intelligence to remain concealed. Polymorphic apps are known for their ability to alter their recognizable attributes to evade detection or discourage users from uninstalling them. For example, an app might initially present itself as a harmless photo editor but, after installation, can change its icon and name to something seemingly innocuous like “System settings.” Users may remain oblivious to this change or hesitate to uninstall an app that appears as “System settings.”
Google also emphasizes that Play Protect will continue to evolve and improve over time. The security measures and machine learning algorithms continually learn from each app submitted to Google for review, examining thousands of signals and app behavior. This ongoing process empowers Google Play Protect to strengthen its defenses, benefiting the entire Android ecosystem.
It’s important to note that the introduction of this new security tool will be gradual, starting with India as the first country to receive this feature. Google plans to roll it out to other regions in the coming months, ensuring that a wider user base can benefit from these enhanced Android security measures.
