Samsung Electronics has been working on a new form of cutting-edge mobile security, starting from the Galaxy S25 series. Known as post-quantum cryptography (PQC), the technology uses advanced algorithms to with a goal to protect against the potential risks that quantum computing poses to traditional encryption methods.

Samsung Newsroom explored the future of digital security to understand why Samsung is already taking these protective measures.

Eyes on the Horizon

Quantum computing represents one of the most transformative fields in modern technology, offering unparalleled problem-solving capabilities. By harnessing the power of quantum computers, complex challenges can be solved exponentially faster than with traditional computing — unlocking breakthroughs in numerous industries from medicine to logistics. For instance, quantum algorithms could streamline supply chains or improve punctuality in transportation systems.

However, this immense computational power comes with risks. Because quantum algorithms have the potential to break certain encryption methods used to safeguard today’s data, addressing this vulnerability is critical to ensuring data protection in the future.

While quantum computing is not expected to reach full-scale implementation immediately, early action is essential to protection against “harvest now, decrypt later” threats — where attackers collect data now to decrypt it with future quantum capabilities.

Redefining Standards of Defense

Samsung has been working on PQC to ensure encrypted data remains secure in a quantum-powered world.

The company [1] to defend against quantum computer attacks. For example, the ML-KEM (Module-Lattice-Based Key-Encapsulation Mechanism) algorithm employs lattice-based mathematics — complex multidimensional structures that make encryption keys exceptionally difficult to solve, even for quantum computers. Ideal for secure communication between connected devices, the algorithm provides robust security while optimising performance and minimising data exchange.

NIST’s PQC standards secure a wide range of electronic information from confidential emails to e-commerce transactions. For Samsung, they are a way to protect cloud data against quantum threats.

Samsung’s Strategic Approach

Committed to protecting user data as technologies such as quantum computing evolve, Samsung is introducing Post-Quantum Enhanced Data Protection (EDP) to Samsung Knox Matrix — the company’s leading protection for connected device ecosystems.

Samsung’s EDP feature currently provides end-to-end encryption for user data when backing up, restoring or syncing personal information through Samsung Cloud.

With the integration of PQC technology to Knox Matrix, another layer of protection has been added — setting a new standard for cloud security on mobile devices. Knox Matrix’s cross-device compatibility will ensure seamless quantum-safe protection for Samsung Cloud backups and synced data across smartphones, TVs and digital appliances.

This feature is available on the new Galaxy S25 series as the first Samsung device operating on One UI 7, giving Galaxy users enhanced protection.

Samsung Leading a Secure Future

In an ever-evolving digital landscape, preparing for potential threats is not an option but a necessity. As quantum computing looms on the horizon, the need to protect data has become increasingly clear.

Moving forward, Samsung will continue to pioneer the mobile security industry and create a future where users can enjoy a connected world with added peace of mind.

[1] NIST has finalized its principal set of encryption algorithms designed to withstand cyberattacks from quantum computers. Built for the future, these new standards are specified in the first completed standards from NIST’s Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) standardization project.

Bibliography

Announcing Issuance of Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) FIPS 203, Module-Lattice-Based Key-Encapsulation Mechanism Standard, FIPS 204, Module-Lattice-Based Digital Signature Standard, and FIPS 205, Stateless Hash-Based Digital Signature Standard. (2024, August 14). Federal Register.

Retrieved from: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/14/2024-17956/announcing-issuance-of-federal-information-processing-standards-fips-fips-203-module-lattice-based

National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2025, January 2). NIST.

Retrieved from: https://www.nist.gov/

NIST Releases First 3 Finalised Post-Quantum Encryption Standards. (2024). NIST.

Retrieved from: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2024/08/nist-releases-first-3-finalized-post-quantum-encryption-standards

Knox Matrix Unlocks Ultimate Transparency

Knox Matrix is Samsung’s vision for the future, enhancing protection through multi-layered, intelligent threat monitoring between connected and compatible Samsung devices. One UI 7 sets the foundation for the next frontier of security.

• Knox Matrix monitors connected devices through Trust Chain, a secure private blockchain — and the new Knox Matrix dashboard introduces an easier way to maintain transparent security across a connected device ecosystem. With One UI 7, it’s more intuitive than ever to check the security status of multiple connected Samsung smart devices, including compatible Galaxy mobile devices, TVs and home appliances, at a glance. When all connected devices are updated to the latest software and no risks are detected, they will show as ‘green,’ or secure. Users can also see if a device is at risk, and the dashboard will prompt an actionable recommendation to help mitigate the threat.
• A new recovery method for Enhanced Data Protection adds ease and convenience to the process of retrieving data stored on Samsung Cloud. Enhanced Data Protection keeps connected devices synchronised and secure, also ensuring that if access to a trusted device is lost, users have a backup plan to help prevent the loss of their data. With One UI 7, users can now transfer recovered, private data to a new Galaxy device by verifying the lock screen factor – whether pin, pattern or password – of their previous device.
• As part of Knox Matrix’s Credential Sync, Samsung has developed new ways to manage and secure identities and credentials for today’s hyperconnected world in the form of passkeys[2]. With One UI 7, users can now create and use passkeys to log into their Samsung Account. As digital authentication credentials, passkeys enable a faster, easier way to securely log in to apps, devices and websites — so users can safely sign into their compatible TVs, AI Family Hub refrigerator and more, simply by using the fingerprint sensor on their smartphones.

Maximum Restrictions Boost User Control

Maximum Restrictions establishes a powerful line of defense against today’s cyber threats. One UI 7 further enhances user choice with new features designed to protect those who may need additional safeguards. Maximum Restrictions has been updated with added controls for network connections so users can enjoy the added peace of mind that comes from boosted protection without losing access to key device functionalities. Thanks to the added controls, users have the choice to block 2G service and prevent data from being intercepted when connected to potentially unsafe networks. Users can also prevent unintended automatic reconnection to certain Wi-Fi networks[3] that may be less secure, ensuring data remains private while still having the option to connect manually if desired.

This update enhances Maximum Restrictions’ existing suite of protections for Samsung Messages and Samsung Gallery, which allows users to remove location data in shared photos, prevent automatic attachment downloads, and block hyperlinks, previews and shared albums.

More Security Settings Bring Added Device Protection

One UI 7 introduces even more ways users can adjust security settings to best suit the ways in which they use their device. Users can choose to block USB connections to prevent any other access through the USB port while the device is locked, except for battery charging.

To protect against malicious apps that come from sideloading, One UI 7’s new Safe Install system works alongside Auto Blocker to send a warning when a user attempts to download from an unauthorised source, alerting them of security risks and preventing unintentional sideloading on Galaxy devices worldwide[4].

Theft Protection Enhances Data Privacy

One UI 7 introduces new features available only on select Galaxy devices to the Android suite of theft protection solutions, enhancing the safeguards in place to ensure personal data remains secure even when devices are lost or stolen. In addition to Theft Detection Lock,[5] Offline Device Lock and Remote Lock, Galaxy users can now leverage additional security measures in Identity Check, an opt-in feature designed for when a device’s PIN becomes compromised. If suspicious activity is detected, users can rest assured that these Galaxy-exclusive protections will kick in.

• When in an unfamiliar location, biometric authentication will be required to make any changes to important security settings that could put personal information at risk.
• As an added safeguard, a one-hour security delay will prevent unauthorised users from making any immediate changes to the device.

One UI 7 is the next step in Samsung’s commitment to privacy on AI, introducing advanced security features to ensure complete protection in the era of AI. The official One UI 7 release will commence with upcoming Galaxy S series devices, featuring additional AI capabilities including enhanced, hardware-dependent on-device AI functions, starting from the first quarter of 2025. In line with Samsung’s commitment to extend its OS upgrade policy, the update will gradually roll out to other compatible Galaxy devices.

The One UI 7 beta program will be first available for Galaxy S24 series devices in Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the US, from December 5. Galaxy S24 series users can apply to join the beta program via Samsung Members.

[1] Availability, features and specifications provided in this article are subject to change and may vary by market and/or model.

[2] Timing of availability may vary by region, network provider and/or model.

[3] Maximum Restrictions prevents automatic, unintended reconnection to less secure networks, which may include Open, Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE), or Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP).This protects users from device traffic that may be interrupted. Preventing automatic reconnection to Wi-Fi networks is available under Wi-Fi setting though with One UI7, this feature would be available under maximum restrictions. Launch for this and the 2G block would be with the release of One UI 7.

[4] Availability and timing will vary by market, OS version and/or model

[5] Timing of availability may vary by region, network provider and/or model.

It can be hard to know the right way to do this. For example, you might have concerns around the security of third-party messaging platforms. Or you might be worried that your sensitive information and data could be lost or compromised in the event of a server attack or the loss of your phone. When connecting to another device, you might also worry about who can see your data, and how to keep it secure.

At Samsung, we’ve thought of all this and made it our mission to help keep you protected so you can safely and comfortably share your data.

Private Sharing with Quick Share

Ever been in a situation like this? You want to share pictures of your newborn baby, or a video from your recent holiday, but don’t want to risk them somehow ending up online or visible to anyone other than those you intended.

Samsung Galaxy has a built-in solution to this problem: Quick Share’s Private Sharing, a privacy-preserving file-sharing function that lets you share your data with peace of mind.

With Private Sharing, you and you alone own the data. You can ensure that only the designated recipients can open the files you send – no one else. You can also set permissions and expiration dates for the data, so it’s only viewable for a limited amount of time. Further, you can give read-only access without the ability to re-share; revoke the data access whenever you like; restrict screenshotting, and see when the recipient received and opened the file.

Private Sharing makes it safe and easy to share your content, and you can share up to 20 files at once with a total size of up to 200MB.[1] And of course, all your files are encrypted when shared, courtesy of blockchain-based encryption technology.

To use Private Sharing, select the file you want to send and tap the Share icon. Tap Quick Share, followed by the three dots for more options in the top right corner. Then select Turn on Private Sharing. Once the message has been sent, you can check what you’ve sent and change the expiration date or revoke sharing permissions.

▲ Select file > Quick Share > Three dots (more options) > Turn on Private sharing

No more worries about misfiring a private photo or file. With Quick Share’s Private Sharing, you’re in control of your data and whom you choose to share it with, with visibility into file share status every step of the way.

Data Protection with End-to-End Encryption

Starting with the Galaxy S24, Enhanced Data Protection offers additional protection for Galaxy devices when you sync or back up your data with Samsung Cloud.[2] This feature helps mitigate against the risk of data loss via end-to-end encryption (E2EE), which ensures data can only be encrypted or decrypted on your device and cannot be seen by anyone but you.

When you activate Enhanced Data Protection, you’ll be prompted to write down a recovery code to help prevent the loss of your data in the event you lose your device.

To use Enhanced Data Protection, open the Samsung Cloud app, tap the three dots for more options, choose Settings, and then Enhanced Data Protection. From here, you can choose to encrypt backup or synced data. Alternatively, you can open your device Settings and go to Security and Privacy to find this feature.

▲ Samsung Cloud > Three dots (more options) > Settings > Enhanced data protection

End-to-end encrypted data is only accessible on devices using the Enhanced Data Protection feature, and cannot be accessed by anyone else, including Samsung.

We know that our users want to be able to enjoy their lives safely with the knowledge that their devices and data are protected. Galaxy helps you to do just that – so you can safely go out there knowing we have your back.

[1] Private Sharing is supported between Galaxy devices with Android OS 10 (Q OS) or later & One UI 2.1 or later. A maximum of 20 files and 200MB can be transferred at one time. Shareable file types include images (.jpg, .jpeg, .png, .gif, .bmp, .webp, .heic, .dng), videos (.webm, .mp4, .3gp, .3g2, .mkv), audio (.mp3, .wav, .ogg, .m4a), and documents (.txt, .pdf).

[2] Enhanced Data Protection availability and support may vary by device model and OS.