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Google's security suite 'Play Protect' rolling out to Android phones (Update: Play Store too)
Reports claim some users are starting to see a new box within the "My apps & games" under the "Updates" tab. This option allows you to scan apps for viruses and malware.
In addition, a "Verified by Play Protect" label has been showing up, as well as a "Play Protect" option in the settings found under the hamburger menu. Not everyone has gotten the update just yet, but users and trustworthy sources have been corroborating the rollout. It's only a matter of time before the rest of us see the changes.
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Google is now rolling out Play Protect to all Android devices with Google Play Services 11 or higher. The news arrived earlier today via Engadget following Google’s announcement of the service during Google I/O 2017 in May.
Google Play Protect is a unification of Android security systems like Verify Apps, browser protection, and anti-theft measures. The app verification portion of this, which I should note has already been in effect for years, routinely scans apps to ensure that they are working and haven’t been compromised, while the anti-theft component comes in the form of Google’s Find My Device app.
While Play Protect’s app scanning feature works automatically, you can customize its settings — like turning off regular security threat checks (though I don’t recommend this) — by visiting Google > Security > Verify Apps in your phone’s settings.
It’s not a fancy new feature that you’ll enjoy spending time with, but having a better visualization of your phone’s current security status may put some minds at ease. To learn more about Google Play Protect, you can visit our explainer article at the link.