Android users will soon be able to pause Google's anti-malware service for sideloading

In brief: Google Play Protect serves as Android's first line of defense against malicious apps. However, the mobile anti-malware service can sometimes make sideloading cumbersome – or even outright impossible – under normal conditions. Android users may soon find it easier to sideload apps. Google recently updated the Play Store, introducing an option to temporarily pause its antivirus service through Android's native settings. This change creates a window of opportunity for installing apps from outside traditional sources while maintaining device and data security. The new feature was first spotted by Android Authority in Play Store version 42.2.19-31. The update adds a "pause" button for Play Protect when users attempt to disable app scanning. However, Google warns that while Play Protect is paused, it will no longer scan apps installed from outside the official Play Store. For Android power users, Play Protect's automatic app scanning has been a double-edged sword. The service sc ... Read full article.