Google is taking new steps to protect Android users from malicious apps. The company announced that it is working on a new feature for apps installed from outside the Play Store. It will ask you to enter biometric authentication or PIN during APK installation.
Android will ask for biometric authentication when installing APKs
Google has been allowing APK apps with Android for years. While this gives users a great deal of freedom, it also brings dangers. As part of a new security measure, the company will require biometric ID or PIN verification before allowing APK installation.
Google currently shows a warning when it cannot verify the source of an app installed from outside the Play Store. Users can bypass this by tapping “Install anyway”. However, in certain situations, Google will ask for biometric or PIN verification instead of bypassing.
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This extra layer of protection will kick in for apps suspected by Google. If it detects that an APK is linked to malware, it will not complete the installation without a fingerprint or PIN.
While the feature isn’t live yet, it’s already being tested in the latest Play Store release. This suggests that it could be rolled out with new updates to Android 14.
Google continues to strengthen Android’s defenses as cybersecurity threats to Android evolve. Malicious apps can pass through the Play Store’s filters, so it’s important that more additional approvals are developed.
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