Google Drive adds AI to detect ransomware before it spreads

Google Drive for desktop is adding ransomware detection utilizing an AI exemplary trained connected “millions of real-world ransomware samples” that volition “look for signals that a record has been maliciously modified.” When Google’s AI believes it has detected ransomware enactment connected a Windows oregon macOS system, similar trying to encrypt oregon corrupt files en masse, it volition automatically halt syncing Drive files, alert users connected their desktop and implicit email, and let users to reconstruct their files to an older version. 

The diagnostic is rolling retired successful unfastened beta starting today, and successful a briefing with reporters, Google’s Luke Camery said the institution aims to marque it mostly disposable by the extremity of the year.

“We’ve built a specialized AI model, trained connected millions of real-world ransomware samples, to look for signals that a record has been maliciously modified,” Google says successful a blog post. “The detection motor adapts to caller ransomware by continuously analyzing record changes and incorporating caller menace quality from VirusTotal. When Drive detects antithetic enactment that suggests a ransomware attack, it automatically pauses syncing of affected files, helping to forestall wide information corruption crossed an organization’s Drive and the disruption of work.”

Ransomware attacks are inactive connected the rise, with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence reporting that determination were 5,289 ransomware attacks worldwide successful 2024, a 15 percent summation from 2023.