If you’re someone who’s highly invested in Google products and services, there’s a pretty good chance you’re using Google Drive. Being able to store you data in the cloud can be a lifesaver, even if you’re just using the 15GB that comes included for free with every Google account.
Of course, Google has added features here and there to make Drive more compelling over the years, which has really enhanced the experience on PC, Android, and other platforms. Back in late 2025, Google rolled out its ransomware scanning tool in beta, which is a pretty powerful tool if you’re someone who shares their files across multiple devices.
It’s about time
While it was limited before, Google shared through its Workspace blog that its ransomware detection and file restoration are now rolling out to all users, bringing a new level of protection to Google Drive (via Android Authority). While the beta delivered, Google now shares that the public rollout is even better, with its latest AI detection feature recognizing 14 times more infections.
So what exactly happens when this protection goes to work?
Well, as soon as there is ransomware detected, Google Drive will automatically pause syncing in order to prevent the bad file from spreading to other devices. Users will be notified about the file, and emails will be sent out to connected users if needed. The warning is quite bold, so we don’t think you’ll miss it if you encounter this.
As you can imagine, this can be a lifesaver if you have Drive setup with an organization. In addition to the above, Drive will now be able to restore files to a previous version in order to eliminate the chance of infection. This will be helpful if you’re looking to retrieve your data and start fresh after a ransomware attack.
Google states that these protections will be on by default going forward. Just make sure that you’re using Google Drive version 114 or later. Naturally, if you don’t want these features, you can turn them off in the Settings menu. When it comes to the settings, you will have the option to set the detection level in order to have it work with your workflow. So, if you’re a Google Drive user, give this one a try.
