Google Play Protect Warns of Real-time Threats on Pixel 6 and Newer Models

What to know:

Google has launched real-time threat detection for Pixel phones through Google Play Protect to identify malicious apps instantly.
The feature initially focuses on detecting stalkerware that collects sensitive data without user consent.
Currently available on Pixel 6 and newer devices, with plans to expand to other Android phones from brands like Lenovo, OnePlus, Nothing, and Oppo.

Google has stepped up its security game by introducing real-time threat detection for malicious apps on Pixel phones. When you use your Pixel device, Google Play Protect now actively scans apps and immediately alerts you if it finds anything suspicious with an “Unsafe app found” notification.

According to Google, the new security feature analyzes apps’ behavior patterns to identify malicious intent. It looks for suspicious activities like apps that remain dormant for long periods before activating harmful functions or those trying to hide their actual behavior.

Initially, Google has focused this protection on stalkerware – apps that secretly collect personal data without your knowledge. The company plans to expand the detection capabilities to catch other types of harmful apps in the future.

To protect your privacy, all scanning and detection happens directly on your device through Android’s Private Compute Core. This means your data stays on your phone and isn’t sent to external servers.

This enhancement comes alongside another security upgrade – real-time scam call detection powered by AI. Together, these features represent Google’s commitment to protecting Pixel users from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

The real-time threat detection feature is now available if you own a Pixel 6 or newer model. Google will roll out these protections to other Android devices from manufacturers like Lenovo, OnePlus, Nothing, and Oppo in the coming months.