Google Amps Up Malware Detection, Real-Time Threat Detection Feature Now Live

Google Amps Up Malware Detection, Real-Time Threat Detection Feature Now LiveGoogle is strengthening its malware detection mechanisms, with a new protection measure aimed at catching even the most cunning bad actors. Android's Google Play Protect service is receiving an update called Real-Time Threat Detection, which analyzes app behavior to identify potentially harmful apps on your phone and alerts you in real-time when something suspicious happens

Google Amps Up Malware Detection, Real-Time Threat Detection Feature Now Live

Google is strengthening its malware detection mechanisms, with a new protection measure aimed at catching even the most cunning bad actors. Android's Google Play Protect service is receiving an update called Real-Time Threat Detection, which analyzes app behavior to identify potentially harmful apps on your phone and alerts you in real-time when something suspicious happens. The update, first announced at Google I/O earlier this year, is now available on Pixel 6 and newer phones. In "the coming months," it will also roll out to other non-Pixel Android phones, including Lenovo, OnePlus, Nothing, and Oppo.

Real-Time Threat Detection targets particularly elusive malware apps that conceal their intentions well. Play Protect doesn't just scan for malware when you download an app, but continues to look for signs of suspicious app behavior after it's on your phone. This can help it catch malware that starts out dormant and later engages in malicious activities.

This detection takes place on-device, using Android's privacy infrastructure called "PrivateComputeCore" to keep your data secure. You'll receive real-time alerts, empowering you to take action when needed.

Beyond Real-Time Threat Detection, Google today launched another safety feature: Scam Detection. This feature, also announced at I/O, uses on-device AI to analyze calls and look for indicators that the caller is a scammer. If it detects suspicious conversation patterns or typical scam requests, it flags it for the user and encourages them to hang up. The feature is currently available only to members of the Phone by Google app's test program using Pixel 6 or newer phones (as of this morning, the program appears to be full), and it will be expanded to more Android phones in the future.

Real-Time Threat Detection and Scam Detection represent significant steps forward for Google in the realm of safety, showcasing the company's dedication to protecting users from malware and scams. As these features become more widely available, Android users will be even safer using their devices.