While Play Protect can still warn users if the malicious app is already known to Google, these apps exist 'off the grid' to the Play Store, and typically never pass through Google's rigorous checks - leaving users exposed to potentially harmful attacks.
However, this has led to a rise in harmful apps being pushed onto Android users outside of the Play Store through direct downloads of APKs by using links in SMS messages, websites, and messaging apps. Play Protect historically keeps install numbers of malicious apps through the Play Store down to a fraction of a percent. Google Play Protect: real-time scanning keeps Android users safer
