Google Play Protect It is a tool that has been protecting us for quite some time within its own application store. This tool protects us against possible threats from applications that we can download from the Google Play Store. Until now this worked just like that, and if we wanted to protect ourselves against applications downloaded from third-party stores, or from unknown sources, we had to go through an unofficial Google antivirus. However this has changed with the latest real-time scanning update.
All this translates into Google Play Protect has evolved to address security concerns both inside and outside the official app store. The latest update brings with it a previously unseen feature: real-time scanning of applications loaded from external sources. This means that regardless of where an app comes from, Play Protect will analyze every line of code in real time, detecting potential threats before they infiltrate your device. This will be very useful for those who are used to downloading .APK files from sources that a priori might seem less reliable than Google's own official store.
This, in addition to saving memory space on our mobile for applications, would make antivirus applications external to Google obsolete. Therefore, if you are interested in knowing how your mobile can protect you without having to install third-party apps against any threat, wherever it comes from, continue reading because Here you will discover how Google Play Protect has improved its real-time scanning tool.
What is Google Play Protect and what's new?
Google Play Protect is a security suite developed by Google for Android devices. Its main function is to protect mobile devices against malicious applications, malware and other types of threats. Until the recent update, Google Play Protect already scanned apps in the Google Play Store to make sure they were safe before users downloaded them. However, with the new update, Google Play Protect now also scans apps that users install from external sources, not just those that come from the official store.
When a user installs an app, whether from the Google Play Store or an external source, Google Play Protect performs a real-time scan of the app file. This scan involves analyzing the application code for potential security threats, such as malware or viruses. If any malicious app is found, Google Play Protect alerts the user and provides options to remove the app and protect the device.
In addition, this update also allows us to perform manual analysis of applications using Play Protect. We can access this function in the device settings, specifically in "Security and privacy > Application security." From here, the platform allows us to start a scan for possible threats in all the applications installed on your device.
It is important to note that this new real-time scanning function for external applications provides us with an additional layer of security, protecting us against threats even outside the Google Play Store. This measure helps ensure a safer experience for Android device users, who tend to download applications from unofficial sources, thanks to the open nature of Google's operating system.
How do I perform a manual scan in Play Protect?
Performing a manual scan with Google Play Protect on an Android device is a simple but essential process to ensure the security of installed applications. To perform this scan, follow these steps:
Open your Device Settings: On your Android device, pull down the applications menu and select “Settings”. This step may vary slightly depending on the version of Android you're using, but you'll usually find this option in the app drawer or by swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping the gear icon.
Access Security and Privacy: Within settings, look for the “Security” or “Security and privacy” option. This section may vary depending on the device manufacturer and Android version, but is usually found in the main settings.
Find the Google Play Protect Option: Within the security section, search and select “Google Play Protect”. By doing so, you will access options related to the security of the applications on your device.
Start Manual Scan: Within Google Play Protect, you'll find an option to perform a manual scan of the apps on your device. This option may be called “Check app safety” or “Scan now.” Tap this option and Google Play Protect will begin scanning all installed apps for potential security threats.
Wait for the Scan to Complete: The scanning process may take a few minutes, depending on the number of apps installed on your device. Once complete, Play Protect will show you the results, indicating whether all apps are safe or if any threats have been detected.
Performing regular manual scans with Google Play Protect is a recommended practice to ensure the security of your device, and protect your personal data against potential threats.
Will antivirus apps on Android be of any use?
Android antivirus apps may still have a relevant place in the Android security ecosystem, despite improvements in native Google Play Protect solutions. These third-party applications offer additional features and functionality that may be of interest to certain users. Next, we tell you Some of these features where Android antivirus apps could still be useful:
Advanced and Customizable Scans: Third-party antivirus apps often offer more detailed and customizable scans than native solutions. Users can perform targeted scans in real time, schedule automatic scans, and customize security settings according to their needs.
Anti-Theft and Privacy Features: Many antivirus applications include anti-theft features, such as remote location, data locking, and data wiping, which helps protect user privacy in case the device is lost or stolen.
Filtering Calls and Messages: Some antivirus applications include features to filter unwanted calls and text messages, providing an extra layer of security and convenience for users.
Wi-Fi Security: Antivirus apps often offer tools to analyze the security of the Wi-Fi networks the device connects to, alerting users to potential security risks on public and unknown Wi-Fi connections.
Browser Protection: Some antivirus applications offer browser extensions that protect users against malicious and phishing websites, providing a safer browsing experience.
That said, if you want more information about Google Play Protect, you can consult its official website.
