Google will scan apps for viruses if it's downloaded from outside of Play Store

Android is more open than iOS, but that also brings some security concerns to the table. Google has added a lot of security features to the Play Store, and apps from the Play Store are mostly secure. However, people usually get their Android phones infected with unwanted malware and viruses by side-loading apps and games from unreliable sources. So, Google is bringing a solution to the problem.

Google is updating Play Protect with real-time app scanning at the code level. Whenever an app is installed through an APK file from outside of trusted sources like the Play Store, that app is first scanned to understand its signals. That information is then sent to the Play Protect backend for a code-level evaluation. Apart from known threats, this system is designed to detect emerging threats.

A prompt appears on the screen when you attempt to install an APK file. You can choose from two options: Scan App and Don't Install App. After the scan is done, Google will offer a reason as to why an app isn't installed. This new security feature is rolling out now in India, and it will be released gradually in other countries.

It is reported that Google Play scans over 125 billion apps every day, and when apps are deemed risky, it can completely disable the app.

Asif Iqbal Shaik - Senior Editor

[email protected]

First Samsung device: T100

Asif is a computer engineer turned technology journalist. He has been using Samsung phones since 2004, and his current smartphone is the Galaxy S21 Ultra. He loves headphones, mechanical keyboards, and PC hardware. When not writing about technology, he likes watching crime and science fiction movies and TV shows.

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Google will scan apps downloaded outside of Play Store to improve security

Asif Iqbal Shaik - Senior Editor

[email protected]

First Samsung device: T100