Google is warning millions of Android owners not to change settings — or it could cost you

GOOGLE urges Android users to check out a special feature that can protect you online.

Available for free on Android phones, it can save you from devastating hack attacks.

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The feature is called Google Play Protect and it works through the official Google Play Store.

“Use Google Play Protect to protect your apps and keep your data private,” Google explained.

“Google Play Protect scans your apps and devices for malicious behavior.”

The feature checks apps for security before you download them – and much more.

How does Google Play Protect work?

How Google Play Protection works…

• Checks Google Play Store apps for security before downloading
• Scans for non-Play Store apps that may be malicious
• Warns you about malicious apps
• Disables or removes malicious apps
• Warns you about apps that violate policies by hiding or misrepresenting themselves
• Sends you privacy alerts about apps that can use permissions to access your personal information
• Reset app permissions to protect your privacy

Of course, Google’s protection feature may not detect all cases of bad behavior – so you still need to be careful online.

How to check if Google Play Protect is enabled

Open the Google Play Store app, then tap your profile icon in the top right.

Now tap Settings and then look under About to see if your device is Play Protect certified.

To turn it on or off, open the Play Store, then tap the profile icon.

Tap Play Protect > Settings, then turn Scan apps with Play Protect on or off.

“For security reasons, we recommend leaving Google Play Protect on at all times,” Google explains.

Google adds: “If you install apps from unknown sources outside of the Google Play Store, Google Play Protect may prompt you to submit unknown apps to Google.

“If you turn on the “Improve malicious app detection” setting, allow Google Play Protect to automatically submit unknown apps to Google.”

You can enable this feature in Play Protect > Settings.

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Selected image source: Google / Unsplash / The Sun

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