Google already offers a free virus scanner for Android in the form of Google Play Protect, but it seems that the company will add an additional protection layer.
As MSPOWERUSE reports, Google is testing a new malicious software detector in its Chrome web browser.
Protect application downloads outside Google Play
This new protection against the additional virus is designed to check the APK files which are downloaded in the Chrome browser for malware.
Applications and games for Android devices can be distributed in the form of APK packages if they are not downloaded directly from the Play Store.
This means that you can also install applications on your Android phone that is not available on Google Play. However, you are running the risk of APK files containing malware that would have been stopped if they were downloaded from Google Play.
This is why a special virus scanner for APK downloads in Chrome is logical. This is exactly what Google is currently testing, and you can try it now if you wish.
How to get the new protection against the virus
The new APK virus scanner is not yet available for all standard users in the Chrome browser for Android. First, you need to install the Canari version of Chrome.
Then enter “Chrome: // Flags” in the Chrome address bar, search for “APK”, then define “Malicy Apk Download Check” on “Activated”.
Once activated, the new protection virus checks all the APK files that you download on your Android in Chrome. If the scanner finds suspicious content, it warns you before installation.
If you select the “telemetry activated only” option when activating the new antivirus protection, APK downloads will only be analyzed for users with safe navigation. This allows Google to collect data on malicious downloads to improve the system before it is completely deployed to everyone.
It is not yet known when the new Virus protection for APK downloads in the Chrome browser will be available for all users.
In the meantime, see our guide from the best antivirus applications for Android.
This article originally appeared on our PC-Welt sister publication and was translated and adapted from the German.
