Google has announced an update to its security feature, Google Play Protect, in order to combat the rising threats against Android devices. This move comes as cyber-criminals increasingly target mobile devices with malware and unwanted software. Google Play Protect already scans billions of apps daily for potential threats, but this new enhancement aims to provide real-time code-level scanning, allowing for a more proactive defense against rogue apps.

In a blog post, Steve Kafka, Google group product manager, and Roman Kirillov, senior engineering manager, explained the need for this update. They noted that cyber-criminals are now utilizing social engineering techniques to trick users into revealing confidential information or downloading malicious apps. This is often done through links or downloads in messaging apps. In response to these evolving tactics, Google has introduced the real-time scanning feature, which conducts a comprehensive analysis of an app’s code during the installation process. It then provides users with information about the safety of the app being installed.

The new functionality is particularly effective against polymorphic apps, which employ advanced techniques, including artificial intelligence, to avoid detection. By analyzing an app’s code in real-time, Google hopes to identify any potentially harmful software before it can cause any damage.

Google Play Protect’s security measures are constantly improving. The system’s machine learning algorithms learn from each app submitted to Google for review and consider thousands of signals to evaluate app behavior. This allows for a continuous strengthening of the protections offered to the Android ecosystem as a whole.

The update is set to roll out initially in India, with plans to expand to a global audience in the coming months. Google’s goal is to provide users around the world with enhanced security measures that can effectively combat the ever-growing threat of cyber-attacks on mobile devices.

This announcement comes as the attention on polymorphic malware has been increasing. Polymorphic malware refers to malicious software that constantly changes its code to avoid detection. Researchers have recently discovered a variant of polymorphic malware known as ChatGPT that utilizes artificial intelligence to modify its code and remain undetected by security systems.

By introducing real-time code-level scanning, Google’s update to Play Protect aims to stay ahead of these evolving threats that cyber-criminals pose to Android devices. The company is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its users, continuously working to improve its security measures and protect against new and sophisticated malware techniques.

In conclusion, Google has taken significant steps to enhance the security of Android devices by updating its Google Play Protect feature. The new real-time code-level scanning will provide a proactive defense against evolving cyber-threats, such as polymorphic malware. With this update, Google aims to strengthen the protections for the entire Android ecosystem, ensuring a safe and secure experience for users worldwide.

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