Google Play Protect: Safeguarding Android Devices and Enhancing Security

Android offers openness, flexibility, and a wide range of choices. However, this flexibility also brings along potential security risks. Thankfully, Google provides a robust security system called Play Protect to ensure the safety of Android users.

This article on Cybersecurity Awareness Week is presented in partnership with Incogni.

How to Find Play Protect Info on Your Device

To see if your device has Google Play Protect, open the Play Store, tap the profile icon in the search bar, then tap "Play Protect."

The Play Protect page provides information on any harmful apps that have been detected, the date of the last device scan, and the recently scanned apps. To perform a manual scan, simply tap the "Scan" button.

Tap on the gear icon located in the top right corner to access the Play Protect settings. From this menu, you have the option to toggle the Play Protect feature on or off, and also choose whether you want to allow unknown apps to be sent to Google.

That's all there is to Play Protect on your part. The majority of what Play Protect does happens behind the scenes. Let's take a look at all the ways in which it protects you.

Play Protect's Malware Scanner Keeps Your Phone Virus-Free

Play Protect is primarily focused on scanning for malware. Using machine learning, it scans and verifies more than 50 billion apps each day, regardless of whether they are from the Play Store or not.

On the backend, Play Protect's malware scanner thoroughly examines each app that enters the Google Play Store, ensuring its authenticity. Any app that is flagged is promptly rejected or removed from the store.

Moreover, Play Protect goes above and beyond in safeguarding your device, even when you install apps from sources other than the Play Store. It conducts scans on all the apps on your phone, regardless of their origin, to detect any malicious behavior. Should it detect any suspicious activity, you will receive a notification.

Of course, just like any malware scanner, it's not perfect. Some things may slip through the cracks, so it's also up to you to be as smart as you can about installing software.

Play Protect's Find My Phone Feature Protects Your Lost or Stolen Phone

Experience that sinking feeling when you can't locate your phone? Don't worry! Utilize Play Protect's Find My Phone feature to effortlessly track your device, no setup needed. Whether your phone is misplaced or stolen, easily locate its current or last known location.

And in the event that it appears you won't be retrieving your phone, you have the option to utilize Find My Phone for remotely locking and wiping your device. This will ensure that, at the very least, your personal information remains secure and inaccessible to unauthorized individuals.

Play Protect Keeps You Safe on the Web

In addition to that, Play Protect seamlessly integrates with Chrome to ensure your safety against web-based malware. If any malicious code is detected on a website, you will receive a warning and be guided back to a secure environment.

Familiar to Chrome browser users on computers, this feature follows the same fundamental concept. If any suspicious activity is detected, Chrome will block it.

Google Play Protect plays a crucial role among Android's numerous security and privacy measures. Alongside Google Play System updates and monthly security patches, it aims to ensure the safety of your device.