Google has announced a significant upgrade to its security infrastructure by introducing automated ransomware protection for Google Drive users in business and education plans. This move comes as cybercriminals increasingly target cloud-based platforms, putting sensitive organizational and academic data at risk. The new protection that is already been testing since Sept 2025, features are designed to help users prevent data loss, avoid ransom payments, and recover files quickly in the event of an attack.
Starting February 2026, the automated ransomware defense system will be activated for eligible Google Drive accounts. Once live, the service will continuously monitor user activity for signs of malicious behavior, particularly file-encrypting malware commonly used in ransomware attacks. When suspicious activity is detected, Google Drive will immediately pause file synchronization and sever the connection to prevent further damage.
According to a statement from Google, ransomware attacks on cloud users have grown both in frequency and sophistication. To counter this threat, the new system will protect clean file versions from being overwritten by encrypted or corrupted files. By stopping the spread of infection early, Google aims to ensure that users retain access to their original data without disruption.
In the event that an account is compromised, affected users will be able to restore their Drive files to a pre-infection state with a single click. This rapid recovery option is expected to significantly reduce downtime and eliminate the pressure to pay ransoms, which are often demanded in exchange for file decryption keys.
However, these automated detection and pausing features will be limited to business and education users. Standard consumer Drive users will not receive real-time alerts or automatic sync pausing, though they will still have access to file recovery tools at no additional cost. This ensures that individual users can restore lost or altered files even without advanced threat detection.
Beyond ransomware protection, Google is also addressing the growing concern around deepfake content and AI-generated misinformation. The company plans to deploy SynthID, an invisible digital watermark embedded in images and videos created using Google’s AI tools. This watermark will appear as a visible label at the top of AI-generated content, helping users identify synthetic media more easily.
Additionally, Google is introducing a feature within its Gemini app that allows users to upload images or videos and check whether they were generated by Google’s AI. While this tool cannot yet detect content created on external platforms such as ChatGPT, it represents a step toward greater transparency in AI usage.
Google Meet users will also benefit from enhanced security controls similar to those offered by Zoom and Microsoft Teams. These updates are aimed at protecting user privacy during live meetings, reducing the risk of unauthorized access, data leaks, and disruptive intrusions.
Overall, Google’s latest initiatives highlight its commitment to strengthening cloud security, combating cybercrime, and promoting trust in AI-generated content across its ecosystem.
