Android Safe Browsing will protect you from malware & phishing

Google is testing a new security feature for Android OS. Called Android Safe Browsing, it helps protect users from malware and phishing attempts. The feature alerts you to harmful links and websites within supported apps. Once rolled out, you will find all supported apps on a dedicated Settings page.

Android Safe Browsing will enhance your online security with malware alerts

Google offers a wide range of security features for Android devices and apps. Its Chrome browser comes with a built-in Safe Browsing tool that checks for potential security threats when loading a page. The firm recently announced efficiency improvements for the feature. It introduced a new mechanism that allows sites to load even while real-time safety checks are in progress, reducing the latency in page load.

It appears Google is simultaneously testing Android Safe Browsing. Noted Android expert Mishaal Rahman was tipped off about the new feature that recently started showing up on some Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones. A screenshot shared by Rahman reveals that the tool will alert users to security threats like harmful links and webpages when browsing within supported apps.

“You might get an alert if you tap a link in your news app that would take you to a known phishing site,” Google explains. The feature has a dedicated Settings page where it lists all the supported apps. There is also a toggle to enable “live threat protection” for “more accurate threat detection.” This page is available under Settings > Security & privacy > More security & privacy on Pixel devices and Settings > Security & Privacy on Galaxy devices.

According to Rahman, Android Safe Browsing “likely lists which apps utilize the SafetyNet Safe Browsing API.” Part of Google Play Services, this library “lets apps determine whether a particular URL has been marked as a known threat by Google.” The company might share more details once it is ready to roll out the feature to everyone. Currently, it appears to be testing the tool among a small group of users.

A serve-side update should bring the feature to all Android devices

While Android Safe Browsing may be limited to Pixel and Galaxy devices during the testing phase, it should eventually roll out to all Android devices with GMS (Google Mobile Services). Google may enable the feature through a server-side update via Google Play Services. You can check for it under the Security & Privacy Settings menu on your Android device.