Some Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices have begun displaying a new Android Safe Browsing warning for anti-malware and to protect users while using supported apps. [This page allows users to see which apps support the feature, as well as to toggle "Live Threat Protection," which allows for "more accurate threat detection."

We checked the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google Pixel 8 Pro and could not see this new page; according to Rahman, this is a server-side update, so simply downloading the latest version of Android automatically Rahman said this is a server-side update, so it is not a feature you get automatically by simply downloading the latest version of Android.

According to Rahman, Android Safe Browsing is a system that runs in the background during Internet use and can alert you to threats while browsing with supported apps. For example, when you select a link in the Google News app, it warns you of the danger of being directed to a known phishing site.

Michal reasoned that the Safe Browsing page likely lists which apps use the SafetyNet Safe Browsing API. This is a library within the Google Play service that displays whether a URL is marked as a known threat. This is similar to the way Google Chrome warns when a user clicks on a link that leads to a potentially harmful site, and likely uses the same database.

In recent months, there has been a marked increase in both the number and sophistication of malware and phishing software. This is especially problematic for Android, a much more open operating system than Apple's iOS. However, this new implementation shows that Google is working to strengthen Android's defenses against threats, and is a welcome step forward for the safety of Android users.

There are indications that this secure browsing update should be applied to all devices with Google Mobile Services in time, not just Galaxys and Pixels. For the time being, we have a list of the best antivirus software and best VPNs to help protect your phone until the update arrives.