In a move to enhance user security, Google is expanding its protective measures beyond the existing Google Play Protect for Android devices. The tech giant is currently in the testing phase of a new malware detector integrated within its Chrome web browser, aimed specifically at safeguarding users from potential threats when downloading applications outside the Google Play Store.
Protecting app downloads outside of Google Play
This innovative virus protection feature is designed to scrutinize APK files downloaded through the Chrome browser for any signs of malware. While Android users have the flexibility to install apps and games as APK packages—often necessary for accessing applications not available on the Play Store—this convenience comes with inherent risks. Unscrupulous APK files can harbor malware that would typically be flagged if the app were downloaded directly from Google Play.
Recognizing this vulnerability, Google’s initiative to implement a dedicated virus scanner for APK downloads in Chrome is a timely enhancement. Users eager to test this feature can do so, albeit with a few preliminary steps.
How to get the new virus protection
Currently, the APK virus scanner is not universally accessible in the Chrome browser for Android. To participate in this testing phase, users must first download the Canary version of Chrome. Following this, they can enable the feature by entering “chrome://flags” in the address bar, searching for “apk,” and setting the “Malicious APK download check” option to “Enabled.”
Upon activation, this new virus protection will automatically scan all APK files downloaded via Chrome on Android devices. Should the scanner detect any suspicious content, it will issue a warning prior to installation, thereby providing an additional layer of security.
For those who prefer a more selective approach, enabling the “Enabled Telemetry only” option allows APK downloads to be scanned exclusively for users with Safe Browsing activated. This configuration enables Google to gather valuable data on malicious downloads, which will be instrumental in refining the system before a broader rollout.
As of now, the timeline for when this enhanced virus protection will become available to all users remains uncertain. In the interim, users are encouraged to explore our guide on the best antivirus apps for Android to further bolster their device security.
This information was originally published in our sister publication, PC-WELT, and has been translated and adapted from German.
