Google Drive cloud storage gets AI-powered ransomware detection feature

Besides ransomware detection, users can restore their files to a previous version in Drive with ease. This will not only save them time, but also they won't have to pay any money as ransom.

In September 2025, Google introduced ransomware detection and file restoration in beta to help corporate companies minimise the impact of malware attacks on personal computers.

It is now available to all premium subscribers, including corporate workspace account holders.

Thanks to the AI-powered screening process, Google Drive will automatically detect any presence of malware. It is capable of detecting 14x more infections, leading to even more comprehensive protection.

When users have Google Drive for desktop installed on their computers, file syncing pauses when ransomware is detected. The user will see a notification appear on their computer. Also, admins will see an alert in the Admin console security centre; notification emails will be delivered to both users and admins.

Google has also revealed that users will be able to restore their files to a previous version in Drive with ease. This will not only save them time, but also they won't have to pay any money as ransom.

Users can select and restore multiple files prior to when ransomware infected their computer, making their files inaccessible.

Users can turn the ransomware detection on or off at the OU level by going to Admin console > Apps > Google Workspace > Settings for Drive and Docs > Malware and Ransomware. As noted earlier, if ransomware is detected for your users, admins will receive an email and get an alert in the Alert center.

Similarly, users can turn the file restoration feature on or off at Admin console > Apps > Google Workspace > Settings for Drive and Docs > Drive file restoration.

Users are advised to install the latest version of Drive for desktop on user computers (v.114 or newer) to enable the detection alerts.

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