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Android 11's auto-reset permissions feature is rolling out to devices running Android 6.0 and above
Android 11's auto-reset permissions feature is rolling out to devices running Android 6.0 and above through Google Play Protect.
Google introduced a new auto-reset permissions feature with Android 11 to automatically revoke sensitive runtime permissions from apps that have not been in use for a few months. In September last year, the company announced that it would bring the feature to devices running older versions of Android starting December 2021. However, Google pushed the initial rollout back by a month in December and promised to bring the feature to devices running Android 6.0 and above by the end of Q1 2022. As promised, Google has started rolling it out to devices running Android 6.0 and above through Google Play Protect.
Google Play Protect is flagging certain versions of Vanced Manager
Google Play Protect is flagging certain versions of the Vanced Manager app as "harmful," prompting users to uninstall it from their devices.
Google recently cracked down on Vanced, one of the most popular YouTube app alternatives for Android, and sent its developers a cease and desist order. As a result, the developers took Vanced offline, forcing users to look for other YouTube Vanced alternatives. But that doesn't seem to be the end of the Vanced saga.
Google publishes Play Protect as separate app for quicker updates
Google is de-coupling its Play Protect service from Google Play Services, as evidenced by a new Play Store listing. Read more about it here.
Google Play Protect has been a core security component in Android for several years, acting as an equivalent to Windows Defender and other anti-malware services. It scans installed applications (even those from outside the Play Store) for possible harmful software, and like most Google services on Android, it has been updated through the massive Play Services support library. However, Play Protect has now been split off from Play Services, at least on some phones and tablets.
Does your Android smartphone need an antivirus app?
Worried about adwares, malwares, and other types of viruses? We explain whether you need an antivirus or not on your Android phone.
Android is not just the biggest mobile operating system in the world, it's the biggest OS -- period. Such a large user base makes it a juicy target for cyber-criminals, which is why there are often reports about Android malware, adware, and other not-so-nice things. Such reports make people afraid and they rush to the one thing we've all grown up hearing about -- an antivirus app. But do you really need an antivirus on Android, or are Android’s built-in protections enough?
Popular Barcode Scanner app caught infecting Android smartphones
A popular barcode scanner app on the Google Play Store has been caught infecting Android phones with malware. Read on to know more.
A popular barcode scanner app with over 10 million downloads on the Google Play Store has been caught infecting Android devices with malware. The app, simply dubbed Barcode Scanner, has since been removed from the Play Store, but it likely still remains there on many of the infected devices.
Google Chrome will offer Advanced Protection users the ability to send risky files to Google for scanning
Users under the Advanced Protection Program will be able to send risky files to Google for scanning, if they are using Chrome. Read on!
Google’s Advanced Protection Program is the company’s strongest security for “those who need it most.” This program can safeguard personal or business Google accounts of anyone at risk of targeted attacks, like political campaigns, journalists, business leaders, etc. While it’s not something most people need, it is available to anyone. Back in March 2020, Google announced that the program will block the sideloading of non-Play Store apps on Android. Now, the company is offering users within the program the ability to send risky files to Google for scanning from within Google Chrome.
Google's Advanced Protection program now blocks sideloading non-Play Store apps
Google's Advanced Protection program is the company's strongest security for "those who need it most." Today, Google announced new features for the program.
Google's Advanced Protection program is the company's strongest security for "those who need it most." This program can safeguard personal or business Google accounts of anyone at risk of targeted attacks, like political campaigns, journalists, business leaders, etc. While it's not something most people need, it is available to anyone. Today, Google announced some new features for the program.