Google to add extra layer of protection when installing sketchy apps (APK teardown)

It's unclear when Google will roll the feature out.

Google to add extra layer of protection when installing sketchy apps (APK teardown)
Google Play Store app next to other Google Apps stock photo
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • Google is adding an additional layer of security when installing an APK or updating an app through an APK.
  • A PIN or biometric authentication will now be required in certain cases.
  • This will be the case for APKs that Google thinks are malicious or didn’t come from the Play Store.

The Play Store has a variety of security tools to protect users from vulnerabilities. Google is now adding yet another layer of security to protect against malicious APKs.

Currently, if the Play Store wants to scan an APK you’re trying to install, a warning will pop up. If users want to bypass this warning, however, they can tap “Install anyway.” This is a problem because it can allow malicious APKs to be installed on your phone.