Google Play Protect likely to adds temporary pause feature to boost security

Google is working on a new feature to improve the security of Android devices, aiming to help users avoid potentially harmful apps when sideloading from outside the Play Store. 

This update is focused on Google Play Protect, a security feature that scans apps for threats before download and helps keep Android devices safe.

Currently, many users disable Play Protect when installing apps from sources other than the Play Store to prevent it from blocking these installations. However, some users forget to re-enable Play Protect afterwards, which can leave their devices open to malicious apps.

Google Play Protect update 

Google’s upcoming update could solve this problem by adding an option to temporarily “pause” Play Protect, which would automatically reactivate the tool after 24 hours. 

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This feature, which was discovered in the Google Play Store app version 43.4.23-31, could significantly reduce the risk of harmful apps by ensuring that Play Protect is turned back on after a short period.

This new pause feature will include a warning message alerting users that requests to disable Play Protect could be scams, adding an extra layer of awareness.

This prompt would help prevent situations where users may be manipulated into disabling their device’s security through social engineering tactics.

With this update, Google is making it easier for users to maintain security on their devices while allowing them the flexibility to sideload apps as they choose. 

The feature is currently in testing phase, but if launched, it could improve Android’s defences against harmful apps and reinforce Google’s commitment to user security on the Play Store.