Our phones are our most personal space, but we use them in the least private places. On the bus, in the elevator, and wherever we’re waiting in line, our digital laundry gets aired in plain view. And as phones become more tailored to our routines and preferences, concerns about privacy are only growing.

That’s why Samsung will soon unveil a new layer of privacy to shield your phone from shoulder surfing wherever you go. You’ll have the space to check your messages or enter a password on a packed commute without thinking twice about who might be watching.

PINs and passwords remain hidden from people nearby, even in crowded public settings.

Flexible Protection Built Over Years

Not everyone needs the same level of privacy. This new layer gives you the choice to decide what works best for you. You can customise it to raise your guard with specific apps, or when entering access details for more private areas of your phone. With multiple settings for adjusting visibility, you can limit what others can see based on the level of privacy protection you need.

Customisable, app-level privacy settings help ensure only the user can see on-screen private information.

You can also choose to protect specific parts of your experience, such as notification pop-ups. It’s a tailored approach that you can fine-tune or switch off entirely, rather than a blanket one.

It took over five years of engineering, testing and refining to get here. We studied how people use their phones, what they consider private, and how security should feel in everyday life. The result is a fusion of hardware and software expertly calibrated to protect you without getting in your way.

Users can control the visibility of notification pop-ups in public.

A New Standard for Mobile Privacy

This is the latest in a series of Galaxy innovations designed to keep you safe. There is no privacy without strong security. For more than a decade, Samsung Knox has established layers of protection for Galaxy devices, from dedicated security hardware like Knox Vault to ecosystem defenses such as Knox Matrix. This latest safeguard builds on that commitment to security, introducing privacy at a pixel level.

This is privacy you can see and security you can feel – and it’s coming to Galaxy very soon.

It is now evident that security can no longer be an afterthought. AI functionality has become deeply integrated into everyday life, and there are more invisible pathways for threats to infiltrate. Given these changes, it’s more important than ever to build robust security frameworks and create systems that notify users of changes, especially for our homes, which are our most personal spaces.

For this reason, Samsung has been working to redefine how digital safety is built into everyday life. As communicated at IFA 2025, the company is making the AI Home a reality, with security as a key pillar. The company’s unique security solutions, including Knox Matrix[1] and Knox Vault,[2] have been applied to a wide range of home appliances, helping create a significantly safer and more secure home environment.

Security Has Long Been a Priority for Samsung 

While 2024 marked the first time Samsung formally introduced Samsung Knox for home appliances, the company has been working on embedded security for over a decade. Back in 2011, as Samsung was exploring appliances that could serve as early-stage home controllers, internal research had already begun to find ways to prevent data theft.

According to Changhoon Lee, Head of Security Lab for Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics, real momentum began with the launch of the refrigerator with Family Hub. It integrated services that could store personal data, like schedules on a calendar, and leveraged Samsung account information. It also allowed users to remotely connect and control their refrigerator via SmartThings.[3]

“Back then, IoT was still new, and there was limited awareness of the security challenges associated with IoT devices,” Lee recalls. “It wasn’t easy to get started. We had to consider what standards and security models would be appropriate for home appliances, and it required significant technological investment.”

Coincidentally, this was also when a type of malware that infected IoT devices first emerged. The arrival of malware that targeted connected devices, around the same time that Samsung’s IoT refrigerator released, marked a paradigm shift. It drove him to accelerate security research and development.

The Scope of Security Requirements Is Expanding 

While the debut of Family Hub raised awareness about the need for appliance security, the expansion of SmartThings deepened the technical demands.

“There’s simply more to consider,” Lee notes. “With SmartThings, some functions may involve basic data exchange, while others could handle more personal information. For example, the Map View feature[4] allows users to see multiple connected devices at a glance. However, it also means that devices must share data with one another, which increases both the number and complexity of possible use cases.”

“This shifts the focus from securing individual devices to ensuring inter-device security within a connected environment. Looking ahead, as technologies that incorporate AI continue to advance, even more use cases and threats must be anticipated. That’s why it is becoming increasingly important to establish clear security criteria, which decide how security should be applied and how it must be reflected in product design from the outset.”

The evolution of product features has also accelerated the adoption of new security technologies. As devices become more advanced and their capabilities expand, security measures must evolve to meet those new demands.

Over time, Samsung has steadily built up its security technologies and accumulated valuable know-how through a range of experiences. This is why, at a time when security has become a top priority, the company can confidently position it front and centre.

Furthermore, Samsung has achieved significant advancements in security through its mobile business, which is one of the most personal and security-sensitive product categories. Leveraging these technologies, and with a broad portfolio that spans TVs to mobile devices, the company has been able to extend its security innovations across business divisions, establishing a robust protection framework in home appliances.

Abilities Thoroughly Tested and Proven 

“The appeal of a smart home lies in how appliances adapt to you and are easy to control,” he added. “But if your personal data is at risk of leaking, you simply can’t feel secure. We’ve been consistently investing in this space for over a decade, and I believe that’s why renowned institutions and government bodies have recognized our efforts.”

In fact, the strength of Samsung’s security system has also been verified with several third-party certifications. As a key example of this, multiple products have been verified at level “Diamond” under UL Solutions Marketing Claim Verification IoT Security Rating Program. To earn this verification, which is the highest level, a product must satisfy 56 detailed criteria, across 33 evaluation items in six core domains.

These criteria cover a wide range of aspects, including software updates, data encryption, and system management. The evaluation is thorough and designed to ensure compatibility with various international security standards, making it one of the most comprehensive certifications available.

To Make Bespoke AI Appliances Prepared for Future Threats 

At a recent global conference, Samsung addressed the future of security, introducing Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC),[5] a new and lesser-known data encryption technology. This type of protection is becoming increasingly necessary because as quantum computing advances, current encryption algorithms may eventually become vulnerable to decryption. To stay ahead of this potential threat, Samsung is implementing PQC within Knox Matrix in home appliances.

While some may question whether it’s too early to be thinking about post-quantum security, Samsung is taking a long-term view to ensure protection is in place for its customers. Home appliances are typically used for around 10 years after purchase. Considering that product lifecycle, Samsung believes it’s critical to prepare now for risks that may become real in the future. That’s the mindset driving its vision for the smart home.

“If you wait until after data starts leaking, it’s already too late. Our mission is to continue enhancing our security technologies so that consumers can always feel safe and secure when using our products,” said Lee.

For more information, please visit: https://news.samsung.com/my/

[1] Currently applied to all Wi-Fi enabled appliances launching in 2025 and planned to be expanded to chosen models that launched in 2024 from September 2025.

[2] Currently applied to appliances with 7-inch or 9-inch AI Home, and AI Family Hub screen launching in 2025, except Bespoke AI Oven.

[3] Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.

[4] Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.

[5] PQC is applied to appliances with 7-inch or 9-inch AI Home, and AI Family Hub screen launching in 2025. (except Bespoke AI Oven)

SEOUL, Korea – July 7, 2025 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced a new set of security and privacy updates rolling out with its upcoming Samsung Galaxy smartphones with One UI 8. These updates reinforce Samsung’s commitment to delivering powerful, trusted mobile technology in a rapidly evolving digital world by introducing new protections for on-device AI, expanding cross-device threat detection and enhancing network security with quantum-resistant encryption.

Next-Generation Mobile Security for AI Personalization

Samsung is introducing Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP),[1] a new architecture designed to safeguard the next generation of personalized, AI-powered features, as its latest innovation in mobile security. KEEP creates encrypted, app-specific storage environments within the device’s secure storage area, ensuring that each app can access only its own sensitive information and nothing more.

Supporting Galaxy’s Personal Data Engine (PDE),[2] KEEP helps secure a user’s deeply personal insights – such as routines and preferences – that enable features like Now Brief and Smart Gallery search. These insights stay entirely on-device, protected by KEEP and further secured by Knox Vault, Samsung’s tamper-resistant hardware security environment. The result is a seamless foundation for Galaxy AI that delivers personalized intelligence while keeping data tightly contained and under the user’s control.

KEEP’s system-level structure allows it to scale across Galaxy AI innovations. In addition to PDE, it now protects Now Brief, Smart Suggestions and other on-device features that rely on user-specific inputs – enabling more advanced AI experiences without compromising privacy. With KEEP, Samsung is redefining how mobile devices safeguard data in the background to elevate privacy from a setting to an embedded design principle.

Smarter, More Connected Threat Response with Knox Matrix

As AI becomes more integrated across the ecosystem, Samsung is advancing protections that offer not just stronger security, but greater transparency and control for users, with Knox Matrix leading the way. Through One UI 8, Samsung is evolving Knox Matrix to deliver more proactive and user-friendly protection for connected Galaxy devices. When a device is flagged for serious risk – such as system manipulation or identity forgery – it is designed to automatically sign out of the Samsung Account, cutting off access to cloud-connected services to prevent threats from spreading.[3]

Users are notified across their connected Galaxy devices and guided to the ‘Security status of your devices’ page, where they can review the issue and take action. Even devices without the latest security status updates trigger a yellow-level warning, helping users respond before vulnerabilities grow.

Together, these updates make Samsung Galaxy’s ecosystem-level protection more dynamic, intuitive and visible, empowering users to maintain trust across all their devices with more confidence and clarity.

Secure Wi-Fi Strengthened with Quantum-Resistant Encryption

In continuation of its commitment to quantum-safe security, Samsung is bringing post-quantum cryptography to Secure Wi-Fi,[4] extending the trusted approach first introduced on the Galaxy S25 series through Post-Quantum Enhanced Data Protection (EDP). Secure Wi-Fi is now being upgraded with a new cryptographic framework[5] designed to strengthen network protection against emerging threats, particularly those anticipated in the era of quantum computing. This enhancement secures the key exchange process at the core of encrypted connections, helping ensure robust privacy even over public networks.

Quantum computing, once fully realized, could undermine many of today’s data protection methods. By integrating post-quantum cryptography, Secure Wi-Fi is built to withstand future attacks that capture encrypted data with the intent to break it once quantum technology matures – a tactic known as “harvest now, decrypt later.” This upgrade fortifies the secure tunnel between Galaxy devices and Samsung servers, reinforcing the integrity of data transmissions in high-risk environments like public Wi-Fi.

In addition to this future-ready foundation, Secure Wi-Fi offers a suite of advanced privacy features:

• Auto Protect: Automatically activates in public places like cafés, airports or hotels, securing Wi-Fi connections without requiring user action.
• Enhanced Privacy Protection (EPP): Encrypts internet traffic and routes it through multiple layers, combining packet encryption and relay to anonymize device information and help prevent tracking.
• Protection Activity: Provides visibility into protection history by showing which apps and networks were secured and how much data was encrypted over time.

A Trusted Platform with Built-In Safeguards

In addition to its latest innovations, Samsung continues to strengthen the core protections that underpin the Galaxy experience. These features reflect a multi-layered security approach that protects across hardware and software, while giving users greater visibility and control:

• Knox Vault secures sensitive credentials such as passwords, PINs and biometrics in a physically isolated environment, helping to keep them protected even if the main operating system is compromised.
• Auto Blocker helps provide defense by default, blocking unauthorized app installs, restricting command-based attacks and mitigating risks from potential zero-click threats.
• Advanced Intelligence Settings gives users the option to turn off online data processing for AI features, so personal information can stay on-device, fully under their control.
• Enhanced Theft Protection helps protect personal data even in high-risk situations such as robbery, using safeguards like Identity Check and Security Delay to prevent unauthorized access.

This latest set of updates reinforces Samsung’s long-standing commitment to mobile security that evolves with innovation. It strengthens on-device privacy for personalized AI with KEEP, expands transparency and user control through Knox Matrix, and introduces quantum-resistant protection to Secure Wi-Fi for a more future-ready Galaxy experience. As new security challenges emerge, Samsung remains focused on delivering safeguards that are built in, always on and ready for what’s next.

^[1] Available on Galaxy smartphones and tablets with One UI 8 or later.

^[2] The Personal Data Engine functions when the Personal Data Intelligence menu is on. Analyzed data will be deleted once the Personal Data Intelligence menu is turned off.

[3] Available on Galaxy smartphones and tablets with One UI 8 or later. Availability may vary by model and/or market.

[4] Secure Wi-Fi offers free protection of up to 1024MB per month for Android OS 13 or later, and 250MB per month for Android OS 12 or earlier versions. Availability details may vary by market or network provider and connectivity is subject to applicable network environments.

[5] This upgrade applies a post-quantum cryptographic algorithm certified under NIST FIPS 203 (ML-KEM). Availability may vary by market, model, and OS version.

Intuitive, context-aware Galaxy AI features bring these personalized experiences to life, transforming your smartphone from a tool to a smart companion that anticipates your needs and offers suggestions designed to make your life more productive, creative and connected.

To deliver a fully personalized experience, your device naturally needs access to certain data. This is what allows AI to understand you and tailor its responses in ways that are genuinely helpful and suited to your lifestyle. To ensure your personal data is safeguarded in this era of AI, we’re constantly innovating data protection on your device, so that nothing falls into the wrong hands.

Personalization Made Possible with the Personal Data Engine

Samsung Electronics’ Personal Data Engine (PDE)[1] is a key component of safely delivering these highly personal experiences. First introduced with the Galaxy S25 series, the PDE is the powerhouse behind some of Galaxy’s most life-changing AI experiences yet. It works silently behind the scenes to learn from your habits and preferences, resulting in a truly personalized, unique experience.

Whether it’s Now Brief[2] guiding you through your day with curated updates or simply finding that one perfect photo in your Gallery with natural language input, Galaxy AI makes every AI-powered action feel seamless. And because the PDE safely processes your data on-device, you can enjoy all the benefits of deeply customized AI — without compromising privacy.

Powerful Advancements with Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection

To further strengthen the security of Galaxy AI experiences, Samsung developed Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP)[3] — a powerful new layer of on-device security that protects your most sensitive data without interrupting your experience. First developed for the PDE, KEEP now also safeguards other Galaxy AI features like Smart Suggestions, Now Brief, Samsung Moments and more, running quietly in the background to ensure that each supported app is kept secure.

Think of your phone like a house. Each app has its own room — separate, but all under the same roof. Then there’s Secure Folder,[4] which works like a fully detached guesthouse with its own key, set apart from the main home. It’s great for keeping certain things extra private, especially when you want complete isolation from the rest of your device. But as AI features like the PDE start handling more sensitive tasks in real time, there’s a growing need for security that’s just as strong, yet more connected to your everyday experience.

That’s where KEEP comes in. Imagine turning part of the house into a private suite — still under the same roof, but with its own secure entrance that only you can use. It’s more private than a regular room, but not completely separate like the guesthouse. KEEP works the same way: it creates a secure, dedicated space for individual apps — like the PDE — so it can safely handle your data without sending it anywhere or getting in the way of how you use your phone.

As our mobile experiences become more intelligent, KEEP ensures your most personal data stays safe by design. Together with tools like Secure Folder, it reinforces Samsung’s multi-layered approach to data protection — giving both users and services the right type of security for different privacy needs.

With Galaxy AI becoming more personal, features like the Personal Data Engine and Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection are setting a new standard for mobile intelligence — where personalization and privacy go hand in hand. As these experiences grow smarter and more attuned to your needs, you can rest assured that your most sensitive information will stay safe on your device, exactly where it belongs.

[1] The Personal Data Engine functions when the Personal Data Intelligence menu is on. Analyzed data will be deleted once the Personal Data Intelligence menu is turned off.

[2] Now Brief feature requires a Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model and apps. Some features may require a network connection.

[3] Available on Galaxy smartphones and tablets with One UI 8 or later.

[4] Secure Folder offers users a separate and protected area of their phone or tablet to store sensitive apps and data. It allows users to set up separate profiles which can duplicate your apps. Users can customize the Secure Folder app and set up their own lock type, including PIN, pattern, password and fingerprint. For enhanced security, Secure Folder users are also provided with an option to hide and encrypt the Secure Folder, which helps keep data safe from advanced cybersecurity threats. While hidden, the apps will stop working to keep your data safe. Once the Secure Folder is opened again, the encryption will be deactivated, and the apps will resume normal operation.

Galaxy AI is built to understand what you need before you even ask, whether that’s suggesting a change in your routine or pulling up just the right information at the right time.

This level of personalisation can be incredibly helpful, but the more your phone knows, the more there is to protect. So, what’s keeping all that personal data secure?

Samsung believes there is no privacy without strong security. That’s why every Galaxy device is protected from the chip up by a multi-layered approach, which includes on-device personalisation, user-controlled cloud processing, and ecosystem-wide protection through Samsung Knox Matrix.

At the core of this system is Samsung Knox Vault, the company’s hardware-based solution for safeguarding your most sensitive information.

Secured at the Hardware Level

Most mobile devices rely solely on software to protect sensitive data. Galaxy devices go further.

Knox Vault is a hardware-level security solution that creates a physical barrier between your most private information and everything else. It works like a locked room inside your phone, with its own processor and memory to encrypt sensitive data, with Knox Vault securing the keys. It pairs a secure processor with dedicated memory, isolating your passwords, PINs, biometrics, as well as financial information and cryptographic keys. These are the kinds of details you don’t want anyone else to access, and Knox Vault is built to make sure they stay private. You don’t need to activate or manage it, as it’s always on, working silently in the background, keeping your data safe while you get on with your day.

This is particularly crucial in the age of AI as user concerns are expanding from traditional cybersecurity threats, like viruses and malware, to worries over leaking personal data, such as conversations with your AI assistant. And as AI becomes part of more everyday tasks, the types of data that need protection are also expanding.

For example, metadata from your most personal photos not only details the resolution and file format, but also shows the exact location where the image was taken. This personal metadata is more than just files — it’s information that is deeply connected to your daily life. And in the era of AI, these types of data used to provide personalised suggestions needs to be kept private.

Knox Vault helps mitigate these growing concerns by safely storing personal information in a secure, hardware-isolated environment designed to block both physical tampering and remote attacks, ensuring your data can’t be accessed without approval.

Personalised AI, Protected at the Core

Knox Vault not only provides protection for today’s threats, it also ensures your privacy as mobile experiences continue to evolve.

As Galaxy AI becomes more useful, it also becomes more personal, learning how you use your device and adapting to your needs. And because these highly tailored AI experiences rely on deeply personal data, Knox Vault plays a crucial role in keeping that information private and secured.

Galaxy AI ensures privacy by processing tasks directly on-device where possible, keeping data in your hands and off online servers. For example, Audio Eraser,[1] removes background noise from videos or voice recordings without the need for any cloud-based processing — so your personal information stays private. Call Transcript[2] operates in the same way, keeping your calls organised while ensuring personal conversations stay private by remaining on-device.

Knox Vault ensures your data is protected, confidential, and secure. Building on its role in Galaxy AI as the trusted foundation for security and privacy, Knox Vault will expand across Samsung’s growing AI ecosystem as AI becomes more deeply integrated into the user experience.

Knox Vault is more than a security feature, it’s Galaxy’s promise that no matter how advanced your devices become, or how much AI evolves, your privacy is secured.

For more information on Samsung Knox Vault, please visit https://news.samsung.com/my/.

[1] Results may vary per video depending on sounds present in the video. Samsung Account login required. Certain types of sound can be detected such as voices, music, wind, nature, crowd and noise. The actual sound detection may vary depending on audio source, and the condition of the video. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

[2] Call Transcript feature requires Samsung Account login. Call recording may not be supported in some countries. Currently available on pre-installed Samsung phones and Voice Record app. Service availability may vary by language or region. Certain languages may require language pack download. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced updates to Knox Suite, an all-in-one business solution package designed to manage and secure enterprise devices. Previously only available as one comprehensive package, Knox Suite now offers flexible plans — Base, Essentials and Enterprise — that cater to the diverse security and device management needs of businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises managing thousands of devices.[1]

As a comprehensive security and management framework leveraged and trusted by over 35,000 businesses across 134 countries, Samsung Knox is essential for organizations using Samsung Galaxy devices as it unlocks their full operational potential. Built on Samsung’s industry-leading Samsung Knox security platform, Knox Suite delivers robust protection, simplifies IT workflows and provides actionable insights that drive efficiency and productivity.

“Enterprises of varying sizes and industries have diverse device management needs, but ultimately are looking toward the same end goal – enabling secure, productive mobile workspaces,” said Jerry Park, EVP and Head of B2B Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “That’s why we’re introducing flexible options within Knox Suite, designed to provide businesses with the tailored tools they need. Through these new scalable solutions, Knox Suite is now optimized for all types of operational use cases, empowering businesses to comprehensively and intelligently manage enterprise ecosystems.”

Scalable Solutions Enhance Device Management

With Knox Suite Plans, businesses can optimize and securely manage their Samsung Galaxy device ecosystems, enhancing IT efficiency and empowering employees to maximize productivity throughout the device lifecycle. With its presence in UEM market, Samsung was named a Major Player in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Unified Endpoint Management Software 2024 Vendor Assessment (doc #US51234224, April 2024). Knox Suite is trusted by customers worldwide. Now more customizable than ever, Knox Suite is available in three plans:

• Knox Suite – Base Plan: Included with Samsung Galaxy device purchases at no additional cost, the Knox Suite – Base Plan is ideal for businesses seeking simple and secure set-up of managed business devices. IT administrators can add Samsung devices into their Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) solutions without the hassle of manual enrollment, and ensure devices and data are protected with government-grade security[2]. The Base Plan includes access to Knox Mobile Enrollment (KME) and Knox Platform for Enterprise (KPE), with no additional license key requirement for use.

• Knox Suite – Essentials Plan: For those looking for more than just device setup, the Knox Suite – Essentials Plan transforms mobile devices into powerful and efficient assets. In addition to solutions found in the Base Plan, the Essentials Plan also features Knox Manage and Knox Remote Support – services designed to enable unified, cross-platform device management plus real-time troubleshooting support.

• Knox Suite – Enterprise Plan: As the most comprehensive Knox Suite package, the Enterprise Plan helps organizations get the most out of extensive device fleets through granular OS version control, intelligent insights and tailored features designed for the frontline. From large-scale enterprises to mid-market companies with dedicated IT support teams, this plan is best fit for those looking to fully optimize digital workspace experiences and improve productivity for frontline workers. In addition to solutions found in the Essentials Plan, the Enterprise Plan includes Knox E-FOTA, Knox Asset Intelligence, Knox Capture, and Knox Authentication Manager.

For businesses investing in Galaxy Enterprise Edition, a comprehensive package of business-ready mobile devices and services, it now includes a one-year Knox Suite – Enterprise Plan license at no additional cost, providing even greater value.

Ongoing Innovation for Intelligent Device Management

These updates continue the evolution of Knox Suite for more intelligent device management. For businesses already using other EMM solutions, Knox Suite can be integrated seamlessly into existing operations to provide deeper insights and enhanced control over Samsung Galaxy devices, allowing IT teams to optimize device performance without disrupting existing workflows. Samsung’s ongoing collaboration with leading EMM providers also guarantees increased accessibility of Knox Suite through these partner platforms, ensuring that businesses can harness the full potential of Knox Suite’s powerful features, regardless of their current IT setup.

Looking ahead, Knox Suite will continue to evolve to be even more intelligent and intuitive, empowering IT administrators with advanced tools and actionable insights while enabling businesses to unlock the full potential of their Samsung Galaxy devices to create secure, efficient mobile workspaces of the future.

[1] Offers, features, services and availability may vary by market, third-party solution and/or device.

[2] Samsung Knox has successfully met the rigorous security requirements set by Governments and major enterprises around the world, providing business users with a robust mobile security solution. https://www.samsungknox.com/en/knox-platform/knox-certifications

This peace of mind is important when navigating our hyperconnected age as cyber threats become more common than you think and are often undetectable until too late. The global cost of cybercrime is expected to surge in the next four years, rising from $9.22 trillion in 2024 to $13.82 trillion by 2028.[2] Therefore, it is critical to use a device that benefits from an ecosystem of protective measures — such as security updates.

But where do these updates come from, and why do they pop up on your phone so regularly? Deep at the heart of Samsung’s Mobile eXperience Business lies Samsung Project Infinity, a classified operation. Samsung Newsroom met the specialist units within Samsung Project Infinity who safeguard Galaxy devices and users around the clock.

Deep Diving for Unknown Dangers

The Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) taskforce is a reconnaissance unit within Samsung Project Infinity along with the Red (RED), Blue (BLUE) and Purple (PURPLE) Teams that go beyond lab conditions to identify real-world dangers. RED and BLUE perform proactive attack and defense functions, seeking out vulnerabilities and taking measures against them. PURPLE is a special operations unit that acts as both a sword and shield for specific critical areas. These teams are strategically deployed in various countries all over the world including Vietnam, Poland, Ukraine and Brazil.

They work covertly. The only time you’ll ever feel their presence is when you get an update containing a security patch.

CTI is dedicated to identifying potential threats and stopping hackers from taking control of your device by staying on top of the latest risks. They work to prevent malicious actions, address threats involving the trade of stolen information and ensure your smartphone or tablet stays securely under your control.

The taskforce protects Galaxy’s internal infrastructure — safeguarding customer data and employee information such as access credentials — since any confidential information stolen by a hacker could be sold or abused for further attacks.

To identify potential threats and deploy countermeasures, CTI regularly explores the Deep Web and the Dark Web — bustling markets for security exploits, spyware, malware, ransomware, illicit tools and confidential corporate and customer information.

Justin Choi, Vice President and Head of the Security Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics, leads CTI. With over 20 years of experience in the U.S. tech industry as a cybersecurity authority and ethical hacker, Choi has collaborated globally to fortify security for major financial and tech firms. His expertise in identifying and mitigating zero-day threats drives the development of advanced security measures that protect over a billion Galaxy users around the world.

“Occasionally, we engage in security research by simulating real-world transactions,” said Choi. “We closely monitor forums and marketplaces for mentions of zero-day or N-day exploits targeting Galaxy devices, as well as any leaked intelligence that could potentially serve as an entry point for system infiltration.”

As an ethical or “white hat” hacker — whose deep understanding of hacking helps to identify and address vulnerabilities — Choi explained that any hint of suspicious behavior within the system is swiftly traced to its origin.

For example, request for excessive privileges, unexpected behavior, and network traffic with unknown servers could point to a potential breach, at which point CTI traces Indicators of Compromise to identify the threat actors and the purpose of the attacks.

“Once we spot these kinds of threats, we collaborate with developers and operators to lock everything down for preventing attacks,” said Ranger, a CTI member. (Samsung Project Infinity staff protect their identities with aliases to avoid being personally targeted by hackers.) “We even communicate with other departments and partners on private channels to avoid taking any chances.”

CTI also studies threat actors to decipher their behavioral patterns. Understanding their motivations and objectives can help reveal their attack methods and provide insights for fortification.

“Sometimes, an attack is financially or politically motivated,” added Tower, another CTI member. “Sometimes, they just like to show off.”

Eliminating Threats Before They Become Real

While real-time threat detection is crucial, a robust offensive security policy is equally vital. RED and BLUE are inspired by military practices in which a red team simulates enemy attacks and a blue team creates defenses to ensure safety in the face of ever-changing threats. In Samsung’s approach, RED simulates hacker attacks and designs new attack scenarios to identify potential vulnerabilities, whereas BLUE develops and implements patches to protect against them.

Specializing in combating zero-day attacks, the teams address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited to prevent unauthorized access or data breaches. One notable data breach is the Pegasus incident in 2020 that left an operating system vulnerable.

The RED taskforce initiates their project by investigating Galaxy devices. They continuously use and analyze new features in Galaxy and delve into recently disclosed vulnerabilities, while envisioning potential security threats against users. By conducting diverse research, once they select a target that presents any potential risks to actual Galaxy users, the RED taskforce begins their quest to detect 0-day vulnerabilities in the target.

“One thing we do is fuzzing,” said Arrowhead, a RED member. “That throws all kinds of unexpected data at software to uncover any hidden flaws.”

Other methods such as code auditing as well as static and dynamic analyses help develop a comprehensive understanding of a system’s health and safety. The team contextualizes each threat in everyday scenarios to prevent threats to Galaxy devices.

“It’s not so urgent if there’s a flaw with the alarm clock, but a glitch in location data could lead to somebody being unknowingly followed through their device,” added Gate, a BLUE member. “Once we discover a hypothetical weakness, we hurry to patch it and roll out an update to the relevant models.”

The Specialists Among Specialists

PURPLE acts as both aggressor and protector to ensure the security of critical areas, the key features of Galaxy devices. As the name suggests, PURPLE combines elements of RED and BLUE’s skillsets — however, an extra in-depth knowledge of the security measures built into the mobile devices sets this team apart.

“Samsung collaborates with external security researchers to uncover vulnerabilities, but our own intimate knowledge of Galaxy systems allows for more effective targeting of potential weak spots,” said Sphinx, a PURPLE member.

“The better you know a system, the better you can protect it,” added Oracle, another PURPLE member.

Occasionally, PURPLE is called upon to address issues nobody else can including formulating new security requirements, designs and features. Though, it isn’t just about keeping Galaxy devices and the Samsung Knox security platform in good shape. Samsung also advises and proposes solutions to chipset and network vendors depending on their requirements.

Samsung’s position as a hardware leader means the company can not only scale its security innovations but also cover its secure supply chain. In this way, Galaxy is contributing to the security of next generation of chips.

Perhaps surprisingly, the motivation behind this work sometimes has nothing to do with technology. PURPLE members perform with a sense of duty to keep people safe, and they feel a certain pride and satisfaction in finding and addressing vulnerabilities.

“It’s not just me but also my family and friends who use Galaxy,” continued Oracle. “So, let’s make it safe!”

The bar for entry is high, and technical skills alone are not enough. To join the team, one must also demonstrate strength of character since any vulnerabilities discovered by the team could be very profitable in the wrong hands.

“They must be tenacious and moral,” said Choi. “One must be responsible and put users before their personal interests.”

“Being an early adopter and a big reader of tech trends is also useful,” added Sphinx.

A System of Safeguards

CTI, RED, BLUE and PURPLE are critical components of Galaxy’s security strategy — but Samsung Project Infinity juggles many initiatives including the Samsung Mobile Security Rewards Program which works with the wider security community to further scrutinize Galaxy’s defenses.

This year, Samsung has boosted this program with a maximum reward amount of $1 million — its highest cash incentive yet for those who are able to identify the most severe attack scenarios within Galaxy devices.

“It’s crucial to encourage participation from the security community in identifying potential vulnerabilities,” said Choi. “Especially in a world where cyberattacks are increasingly intelligent and disruptive.”

All of this goes hand in hand with Samsung’s longstanding model of collaboration with hundreds of partners including carriers, service providers, chipset vendors and more. While regularly working with these partners as well as the wider community to identify threats and develop patches, Samsung Project Infinity ensures Samsung proactively takes initiative and responsibility for reinforcing its own areas of weakness.

“Just because we have internal specialists, this doesn’t mean we don’t work with others,” added Choi. “Having more eyes gives us a better chance at spotting any vulnerabilities and helps us keep users safe.”

So, are you still ignoring that notification now that you know it is from a team deeply committed to your security? Each of those notifications represents Samsung’s ongoing effort in keeping your data safe.

The next time you see an update, don’t hesitate. Hit “install” and continue your online journey with peace of mind, knowing that there’s a whole team looking out for you.

Visit Samsung Malaysia’s newsroom for more updates and news: https://news.samsung.com/my/

[1] Timing and availability of security maintenance releases for Samsung Galaxy devices may vary by market, network provider and/or model.

[2] Statista Market Insight, “Cybercrime Expected To Skyrocket in Coming Years,” Chart: Cybercrime Expected To Skyrocket in Coming Years | Statista

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced that Samsung Knox Native Solution, a platform that enables fast and easily accessible secure communications tailored for governmental authorities and enterprises, has received certification from the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik (BSI), also known as the German Federal Office for Information Security. Developed in close collaboration with the BSI, the Knox Native Solution creates a dedicated, secure environment on mobile devices, delivering fortified security to meet extremely rigorous requirements. With certifications from numerous government bodies worldwide — including Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States — Samsung continues to establish itself as a global leader in cybersecurity solutions.

Achieving official recognition for government use from a leading European security authority marks a significant milestone for the Knox Native Solution and reinforces Samsung’s trusted role in delivering secure, integrated solutions that meet the high standards for government and enterprise use. This certification also reinforces Knox Native Solution as a globally relevant model for organizations, including in key industries like energy infrastructure or public transportation, or those seeking robust, reliable and ready-to-deploy security for optimized mobile communications.

Security Developed in Collaboration With the BSI

Previously, achieving government-grade secure mobile communication on Android-based devices often required the use of external SD cards, additional software and multiple PINs, resulting in a cumbersome manual process with high costs and prolonged approval cycles for security solutions. Any updates to third-party security solutions would require the entire device to undergo re-certification, adding further complexity to the process. To address these challenges, Samsung collaborated with the BSI, which is recognized as the leading authority for security policies and certifications across Europe and key global industries. Together, they developed a pre-configured, government-grade setup that aligns with Germany’s rigorous security standards and sets the standard for secure devices and solutions worldwide.

This innovative platform incorporates advanced features, including the embedded Secure Element (eSE),[1] which integrates the BSI Java Card Applet and is certified at the industry-leading Common Criteria Evaluation Assurance Level (CC EAL) 6+. With eSE, Knox Native Solution establishes a dedicated security zone within the device, helping to ensure data integrity, real-time threat protection and encrypted storage for sensitive communication channels. This platform doesn’t require third-party applications or add-ons, enabling a tamper-resistant security environment for core functions like email, calendar and contacts — all built directly into the device.

Seamless and Secure Mobile Experiences

Knox Native Solution continues to cement the new industry standard for mobile security, making Samsung Galaxy devices successfully meet the strict security standards of the BSI utilizing eSE. Knox Native Solution enables organizations to deploy secure devices with minimal steps, eliminating the need for complex setups while ensuring high security standards. Using Samsung Knox’s built-in protections for data-at-rest, data-in-use and data-in-transit, this solution preserves a streamlined user experience without compromising security. A single PIN activation covers a wide range of work scenarios, and company-owned apps integrate seamlessly through the Knox Native Solution SDK, making advanced security feel effortless for users and administrators alike.

Knox Native Solution reimagines security evaluation processes on Samsung Galaxy devices for government and enterprise in Germany, requiring only newly updated apps to be reviewed and approved — empowering users with cost-efficient and optimized mobile solutions. By simplifying development and evaluation with pre-approved security features, Knox Native Solution enables even large device fleets with high security standards to be managed efficiently through Knox Suite, providing enterprises with centralized control over their security needs. As an established and trusted provider of secure mobile solutions to German government entities, Samsung remains committed to delivering robust and seamless mobile security for organizations worldwide.

Continued Trust in a Hyper-Connected World

This BSI certification stands as a testament to Samsung’s ability to meet top-tier government standards, exemplifying how enterprises and governments around the world can adopt secure, integrated mobile solutions. Building on this success in Germany, Samsung plans to expand the availability of Knox Native Solution to other regions, reinforcing its role as a global leader in secure, hyperconnected mobile ecosystems.

“We are honored to receive this certification from the BSI as proof of our commitment to meeting rigorous security standards and providing fortified mobile security solutions to a growing list of governments and enterprises worldwide,” said Tuncay Sandikci, Director of MX B2B at Samsung Electronics Germany. “In an increasingly hyperconnected world, we remain dedicated to empowering all users with secure, privacy-driven experiences that put transparency and user choice at the forefront.”

For more information about Samsung Knox, please visit samsungknox.com.

[1] Galaxy S23 (all models), Galaxy S24 (all models), Galaxy Tab S8+ (German only) and Galaxy XCover6 Pro include the embedded Secure Element (eSE). Samsung plans to use eSE embedded devices for approved Knox Matrix security features and to continue to expand to additional models in the future.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd announced the enhancement of its Mobile Security Rewards Program, increasing the maximum reward amount to $1 million for eligible security vulnerability reports received from the external security community. This is part of Samsung’s ongoing efforts to foster transparency and increased collaboration in mobile security, with the criteria of the program laid out in the Samsung Mobile Security Risk Classification which now includes additional classification factors.

Alongside this, Samsung has also published its first security-focused Annual Rewards Program Report, showcasing the most significant highlights since the project’s launch and emphasizing the crucial role of the program’s participants. The Mobile Security Rewards Program complements Samsung’s current offering of up to seven years of security updates[1], highlighting the company’s commitment to user device safety.

“With cybersecurity attacks becoming increasingly intelligent and more challenging to identify, we actively encourage participation from the security community in finding these threats,” said Justin Choi, Corporate VP & Head of Security Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “Their support helps us to ensure our products are continuously monitored for potential vulnerabilities, enabling us to constantly enhance the protection of our customers. It is critically important that this protection is provided and that user data and information are safeguarded, which is why we prioritize security throughout all our products and services.”

Originally launched in 2017, the program embodies Samsung’s commitment to openness and a collective approach to enhancing mobile security. By collaborating with a wide range of global experts — including cybersecurity researchers, ethical hackers and independent security professionals — the program follows a strategic, systematic and proactive strategy to identify and address vulnerabilities, reinforcing the security of users’ mobile experiences.

The maximum reward of $1 million is part of the newly introduced Important Scenario Vulnerability Program. This initiative focuses on the most severe attack scenarios and vulnerabilities, including arbitrary code execution on highly privileged targets; device unlock and full user data extraction; arbitrary application installations; and bypass of device protection solutions. Partnering with the security community not only reinforces Samsung’s dedication toward a transparent, collaborative framework that continuously adapts to emerging risks, but also speeds up the detection and resolution of these potential critical threats.

Increased Transparency of Rewards Program Criteria

Samsung Mobile Security Risk Classification now offers a more detailed and publicly accessible system for categorizing vulnerabilities, incorporating new considerations such as downgrade factors, which allow a threat’s severity level to be lowered, and an ineligible classification, for threats determined to pose minimal security concerns. The system assigns severity levels based on security risk and impact across five categories: Critical, High, Moderate, Low, and Ineligible or Less-Than-Low Security Impact. This comprehensive approach provides clear guidance for both participants and the broader security community, offering a more structured framework for vulnerability reporting. Additionally, it outlines the conditions affecting the reward qualification and amount.

The program covers all of Samsung’s mobile devices currently receiving monthly, quarterly and biannual security updates. In addition, the program will reward eligible submissions for potential vulnerabilities in the latest Samsung Galaxy services, including Bixby, Samsung Account and Samsung Wallet, among others.

Samsung Releases Inaugural Program Report

In August 2024, Samsung published its first security-focused Annual Rewards Program Report, summarizing the most significant highlights since the project’s launch in 2017. Highlights include the awarding of over $800,000 to 113 researchers in 2023 alone and a total of more than $4 million in rewards paid out by Samsung to security experts around the world to date, underscoring the crucial role of the program’s participants.

The Mobile Security Rewards Program is effective immediately. For additional information, including terms and conditions, please visit the Samsung Mobile Security page.

[1] Timing and availability of security maintenance releases for Samsung Galaxy devices may vary by market, network provider and/or model.

Scams have become a major concern in Malaysia, with the country having the highest rate of online fraud revictimization in Asia where victims are retargeted over 2.5 times on average.[1] Scammers are adopting increasingly sophisticated methods, such as phishing scams that trick victims into revealing personal information through malicious links. With the rapid evolution of these threats, protecting yourself has never been more important, and technology like the Samsung Galaxy A06 offers the tools you need to stay secure.

Advanced Security Features to Protect You

The Galaxy A06 is built with cutting-edge technology to guard against both hardware and software attacks, ensuring a safe and secure mobile experience.

One of its standout features is fingerprint authentication, which offers a simple yet highly secure way to protect your data. With your unique fingerprint as the key, your information remains exclusively yours, safeguarding against potential threats like APK attacks. This layer of security ties your data to your identity, ensuring unauthorized access is virtually impossible.

The device comes equipped with Samsung Knox Vault, a certified security system designed to protect your data against hardware attacks. Samsung Knox Vault uses tamper-resistant technology to defend against abnormal voltage, temperature fluctuations, laser interference, and other external threats. If an attack is detected, Knox Vault promptly blocks it, preventing further intrusion.

Additionally, Samsung Auto Blocker enhances device protection by preventing the installation of apps from unknown sources, even if accidentally approved, and blocking USB-based software updates to deter malicious software. It ensures only apps from trusted sources like the Galaxy Store or Play Store can be installed, issuing alerts for unauthorised attempts. Additionally, it safeguards against USB-based commands from potentially harmful devices and enables Samsung Message Guard to block malware-laden images in messaging apps, ensuring comprehensive protection against physical and digital threats.

As a proactive measure, the device also has Samsung Message Guard which isolates and decodes image files in a virtual quarantine, or “sandbox,” to neutralize hidden threats before they can harm your device. It processes image files in a controlled environment, preventing malicious code from accessing your phone’s files or operating system. Running silently in the background without user activation, it protects against zero-click exploits effortlessly. Complementing Samsung’s broader security measures, including the award-winning Samsung Knox, it enhances the comprehensive protection already provided across hardware and software layers with real-time threat detection.

Longevity Meets Security

Beyond safeguarding your data, the Galaxy A06 ensures the longevity of your device. It comes with two major OS upgrades and four years of security updates, allowing you to enjoy a secure and seamless experience for years to come.

Check out the great security features offered by the Samsung Galaxy A06 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1vZRwm63oU

Exclusive Promotion

Now is a great time to invest in your security. Until 31 December 2024, enjoy exclusive benefits with the purchase of the Samsung Galaxy A06.[2] Protect yourself and your loved ones while enjoying the reliability and security of a device built to defend against modern threats.

Take control of your security with the Samsung Galaxy A06—your partner in combating scams and safeguarding your digital life.

To buy the Galaxy A06, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/my/smartphones/galaxy-a/galaxy-a06-light-green-128gb-sm-a065flggxme/buy/

[1] Malaysia tops Asia in scam revictimisation rate | The Star

[2] While stocks last. Terms and conditions apply.

[3] While stocks last. Terms and conditions apply.

[4] While stocks last. Terms and conditions apply.