Samsung’s AI-Powered Home Appliances Are Becoming More Secure With Knox Matrix

Samsung Electronics is taking protection to the next level with Samsung Knox, the proprietary security platform safeguarding its AI home appliances, alongside additional solutions. The company aims to strengthen the security of not only individual products but also interconnected devices, providing users with peace of mind when using AI home appliances.

At Samsung Developer Conference 2024 (SDC24), Samsung announced plans to extend Knox Matrix from mobile devices and TVs to home appliances following Samsung Knox’s expansion. Knox Matrix provides integrated protection for interconnected devices, allowing them to mutually monitor for security threats and notify users of threat-blocking measures.

▲ Jong-Hee Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics, delivers the SDC24 keynote address.

In addition, Samsung plans to introduce mobile biometric authentication to its home appliances next year — eliminating the need to enter IDs and passwords and preventing login information from being exposed.

Detecting Security Threats and Notifying Users

All Samsung smart home appliances¹ are safeguarded by Samsung Knox, a holistic and multi-defense security platform that protects users’ data from external threats including malicious software. Nonetheless, Samsung set out to build a secure environment for interconnected devices since strong connectivity between devices creates an improved user experience and protection against data exposure in the age of AI home appliances.

Knox Matrix is a security solution that comprehensively protects connected devices and networks using private blockchain technology. The system consists of Trust Chain, Cross Platform and Credential Sync.

▲ Knox Matrix is comprised of three main technical elements.

Based on blockchain technology, Trust Chain allows connected devices to monitor each other for security threats and notifies users of threat-blocking measures if there is a problem with the security status. Cross Platform ensures consistent security standards are applied to connected devices, even if they run on different operating systems (OS) and platforms. Credential Sync encrypts data shared between devices and synchronizes credentials to maintain security.

First introduced to the 2024 Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator with AI Family Hub™, Credential Sync uses end-to-end encryption (E2EE) technology to share data between devices on the server. Information can be safely shared between connected devices, and existing user data can be restored when a new product is purchased.

Samsung plans to expand the application of Knox Matrix’s Trust Chain, Cross Platform and Credential Sync to major products such as the refrigerator with AI Family Hub™ beginning next year.

Introducing Biometric Authentication

At SDC24, Samsung also announced that Passkey will be introduced next year to the refrigerator with AI Family Hub™ as well as home appliances equipped with the 7-inch AI Home LCD screen. Part of Credential Sync, Passkey is a digital credential that allows users to log in to home appliance apps and websites² using biometrics such as fingerprints on their smartphones.

With the increasing use of apps and web services, the risk of password leaks is on the rise. Passkey alleviates this concern and eliminates the inconvenience of having to remember passwords for each login.

Furthermore, Samsung is planning to apply Knox Vault to its AI home appliances starting next year to further improve hardware-based security. Samsung home appliances equipped with Knox Vault will store sensitive personal information such as passwords and biometric data on a separate hardware security chip — protecting sensitive information from OS-based security breaches or physical hacks.

Expanding Recognition From Top-Tier Organizations

Samsung is committed to improving the reliability of its AI home appliances by expanding security verification from authorized organizations. In February, the Bespoke 4-Door Flex™ Refrigerator with AI Family Hub™+ became the first in the global home appliance industry to receive the highest rating of Diamond in the IoT Security Rating conducted by leading certification company UL Solutions. Now, five products including the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™ and the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo™ AI have received the same rating — setting an industry record.³

▲ The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™ received the Diamond security rating from UL Solutions.

UL Solutions’ IoT Security Rating uses a five-level rating system based on rigorous testing of hacking risks and the security capabilities of smart home appliances. The Diamond rating requires passing stringent evaluations including detecting malicious software tampering, preventing illegal access attempts and anonymizing user data. Samsung plans to expand Diamond certification to even more of its AI home appliances.

Additionally, Samsung conducts internal cyberattack simulations at least once a quarter to verify the security of its AI home appliances. The company’s software developers perform these hacking tests on products and services to identify vulnerabilities and create updates to address any security flaws.

“As the connected ecosystem of AI home appliances expands, the importance of security is growing exponentially,” said Miyoung Yoo, EVP and Head of the Software Development Team, Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung will continue to develop security solutions and achieve new certifications to ensure that users can experience peace of mind when using AI home appliances and services in Samsung’s ecosystem.”

¹ Samsung Knox is applied to select appliances launched in 2018 and later.
² Available on websites that support the international Fast Identity Online (FIDO) standard.
³ As of August 2024.