Google Drive Introduces AI-Powered Ransomware Detection Feature

Google recently announced the general availability of its AI-powered ransomware detection feature on Google Drive, which is now enabled by default for all paying users. This innovative feature aims to protect users from ransomware attacks by immediately pausing file syncing and notifying users and IT admins of any breach.

The beta version of this feature was first announced in September 2025 and began rolling out to Google Workspace customers worldwide in early October. With the ability to detect ransomware encryption 14 times faster, Google Drive’s latest AI model provides more comprehensive protection against a variety of ransomware infections.

When a ransomware attack is detected, Google Drive will pause file syncing to prevent further damage. While files on the compromised computer may still be encrypted, documents stored in Google Drive remain protected and can be quickly restored once the malware infection is resolved.

Users are provided with detailed instructions for restoring corrupted files using the Drive restoration tool to undo ransomware changes after an attack is blocked. This feature is now enabled by default for all users in organizations with business, enterprise, education, and frontline licenses.

File Restoration Feature and Admin Controls

The file restoration feature is available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. Admins have the option to turn off the ransomware detection feature for their organizations in the Admin console under Apps > Google Workspace > Settings for Drive and Docs > Malware and Ransomware.

Admins must install the latest version of Google Drive for desktop (v.114 or later) on all endpoints to enable detection alerts. File syncing will be paused on older versions until the update is completed. Microsoft also offers OneDrive ransomware detection and recovery for Microsoft 365 subscribers who store and sync their files in the cloud.

Dropbox, another popular cloud storage service, provides a similar feature to customers on Business Plus, Advanced, or Enterprise plans, as well as for Standard or Business plans with the Security add-on.