Samsung Electronics has announced that its security solution, Samsung Knox, has achieved Common Criteria (CC) certification for monitors, expanding the verified security it has maintained on smart TVs for a decade.

CC certification is a global standard used to assess the security integrity of products that need data protection, providing an international framework that consolidates various assessment criteria from different countries and facilitates mutual recognition. Since 2015, Samsung has consistently received CC certification for its new products to verify the reliability of its security technology, and with this latest achievement, it has become the first manufacturer to receive CC certification for both monitors and smart TVs.

“Connected displays have become central to how we work and live, making verified security essential,” said Taeyong Son, Executive Vice President of Visual Display (VD) Business at Samsung Electronics. “With Samsung Knox now certified on both smart TVs and monitors, we’re delivering that protection consistently across our products.”

Samsung Knox protects users from cyber threats such as hacking, particularly in areas requiring robust security like AI home control, AI voice recognition and credit card transactions.

The CC certification emphasises three key security features of Samsung Knox:

• System Integrity Monitor (SIM): Provides real-time monitoring of the kernel to ensure system integrity.
• Web Browser Security (WBS): Blocks phishing websites to safeguard users while browsing the internet.
• Unauthorised Execution Prevention (UEP): Validates digital signatures to prevent unauthorised actions.

Samsung Knox also ensures a strong security environment with its multi-layered architecture, which includes TrustZone, a hardware-based independent security layer; Knox Vault, a separate layer for sensitive data; and Knox Matrix, a security management layer for connected devices^[1].

_{^[1] Knox Vault is supported on select Neo QLED 8K TVs and M9, M8 monitors; Knox Matrix is supported on all TVs and monitors from 2024 onward.}

Samsung has made it a priority to give you peace of mind when using connected device ecosystems as Knox Vault, passkeys and Knox Matrix protect you and your digital life.

Knox Vault

At Samsung, we’re constantly exploring ways to add extra layers of security to our products through software and hardware innovations. One example is our hardware-backed Knox Vault which combines a secure processor with secure memory to isolate your most sensitive data — like PINs, passwords and biometrics — from the rest of your device and ensure that no one else can physically or remotely reach your data.

But we’re not stopping there. With many people now using multiple devices, we’re expanding Knox Vault to more devices^[1] and bringing the safest mobile experience to a wider audience. You can rest assured that our technologies will constantly evolve as we continue to prioritise keeping you and your personal information safe.

Passkeys

As our device ecosystems continue to grow, we’ve all experienced the bothersome task of logging into apps and websites with passwords that are often long, complicated and easy to forget. But what if they no longer existed, and it was still possible to securely share information across multiple devices?

This is our vision for passkeys — digital credentials that can be used for authentication across websites and apps, enabled by Knox Matrix with Galaxy smartphones and tablets.^[2] Passkeys allow users to log in to apps and websites on Galaxy devices using Samsung Pass in Samsung Wallet.^[3] This safe and easy feature enables users to sign in with biometric authentication like fingerprints and eliminates the need to remember current passwords or reset forgotten ones. Convenient without compromising security, passkeys mark a significant step toward a passwordless future.

Passkeys offer a faster, easier and more secure device experience. You’ll save time by no longer needing to type your account username into your device — simply select the account you wish to sign into. Once passkeys are registered, it is easy to switch over to a new connected device as there is no need to sign in all over again. Passkeys only work on users’ registered websites and applications, ensuring protection against phishing attacks from malicious sites or apps.

Knox Matrix

Providing new ways to secure identities and credentials for a hyperconnected world, passkeys are part of Credential Sync — a key component of Knox Matrix. We live in an age where we’re surrounded by connected devices from our phones to TVs, and even our refrigerators. This connectivity offers exciting new opportunities but also poses an increased risk of exploitation. Traditional security offerings that protect single devices are no longer enough when one compromised device has the potential to negatively impact others within the same ecosystem — presenting the need for another layer of protection.

That’s why we’ve built Knox Matrix, our next frontier of security and vision for a safer future. The security system is a comprehensive approach that will become increasingly essential as more devices and aspects of our lives become connected — turning your home into a smart shield and keeping you and your ecosystem of connected devices safe. Knox Matrix functions as your private blockchain system where connected devices ensure security at core stages through multi-layered, intelligent threat monitoring with compatible devices cross-checking each other for breaches.

Credential Sync secures your information when moving data from device to device, making it easier to manage multiple logins while encrypting sensitive information. By sharing credentials across devices, we aim to protect your entire device ecosystem — so you never have to sacrifice security for connectivity or convenience.

Knox Matrix offers even more advanced protection for your entire device ecosystem with Trust Chain. In Trust Chain, connected devices monitor each other for security threats, provide notifications if ever attacked and share actions taken to block the threat. Also, Cross Platform SDK allows devices on different operating systems to join Knox Matrix with consistent security standards. This means you can enjoy strong security across the board with Knox Matrix whether your Samsung devices are based on Android, Tizen, Windows or other operating systems.

Samsung wants you to be able to navigate this increasingly connected world freely and comfortably with Samsung Galaxy, both now and in the future. To that end, we’re committed to helping you get the most out of your digital experience with Knox Vault and Knox Matrix. As we head towards a passwordless future, these powerful solutions will ensure you’re always backed up by security you can trust.

^[1]  Including but not limited to Galaxy S series, Galaxy A series, Galaxy Tab S series and more. Knox Vault availability may vary by model.

^[2] Available on Galaxy smartphones and tablets with Samsung Pass, supporting One UI 6 or later.

^[3] Availability of Samsung Wallet and Samsung Pass may vary depending on market or model.

Samsung Electronics’ Samsung Knox security platform is 10 years old! Named after one of the world’s most heavily guarded places, it was first introduced at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in 2013.

That’s a decade of world-leading mobile protection for users around the world, during which Samsung Knox evolved into a holistic security platform synonymous with safeguarding billions of consumers and businesses. And now, Samsung is addressing the next frontier of device security with Knox Matrix.

Bringing Security to an Increasingly Connected World

Knox Matrix is Samsung’s vision for a future wherein devices connected in an ecosystem can protect each other – as well as their users. It is a comprehensive approach to security, which will become increasingly essential as more devices and aspects of our lives become connected.

Many users around the world already own an array of connected devices, from mobile devices and TVs to refrigerators and robot vacuum cleaners. The presence of over 14 billion connected devices on the market demonstrates the vastness of this landscape, which shows no signs of shrinking.

Samsung is aware that despite the benefits, increased connectivity has the potential to lead to more exploitations. Traditional security infrastructure that protects single devices will be unable to keep up, as one compromised device stands the chance of impacting others within the same ecosystem. Knox Matrix will address this challenge through a revolutionary concept that paves the way for multi-device security for mobile phones, TVs, home appliances, and more.

Samsung devices that are empowered with Knox Matrix work to protect one another in a trusted network. If one element is compromised, Knox Matrix will isolate it from the ecosystem in order to protect the others. Having Knox Matrix supported across devices can effectively turn a smart home into a smart shield – the more devices a user has connected, the stronger their overall security.

There are currently three critical features of Knox Matrix that ensure its success. Trust Chain has devices monitoring each other for threats. Credential Sync secures user information as data is moved between devices; and Cross Platform SDK will enable devices on various operating systems and platforms (including but not limited to Android, Tizen and Windows) to join Knox Matrix with consistent security standards. This way, we can keep devices safe even in a hyper-connected world.

Knox Matrix manages all this within a private blockchain, allowing compatible devices to check each other for breaches and ensure safety with intelligent threat monitoring. With these steps in place and more features to be introduced, users will be able to enjoy multiple connected devices safely and conveniently.

The Path to the Next Frontier: Stronger Together

Creating the foundations for the next era of device security requires careful consideration. Knox Matrix’s development is going strong, but there are challenges on the way to the next frontier. These include reconciling the many different types of products, with varying operating systems and security standards, into a frictionless system able to work as one.

As devices become more connected, Samsung must also ensure they are not more complicated to use. With Knox Matrix, we are working to offer users transparency and choice along with protection. Users should be safe in the knowledge that they can make informed decisions about their devices, so they can be protected without hassle. We anticipate that Knox Matrix will alert users of potentially unsafe situations, such as the use of old firmware, offering suggestions for any next steps.

The power of Knox Matrix to protect connected ecosystems will be demonstrated in phases, starting with Samsung Galaxy products, such as smartphones and tablets. Knox Matrix-compatible models will be available from 2024, initially with the three core features mentioned above and more expected to follow via updates. This will expand to cover Samsung’s home appliance devices within the next two to three years, followed by partner devices. Development is already underway for partner device compatibility.

A Trusted Record of Secure Innovations

Samsung already has a long history of enabling different kinds of devices to work seamlessly together through SmartThings. In line with the company’s philosophy of open collaboration, Samsung has also been working closely with the most trusted industry partners and the wider security community to define and expand security standards, by better identifying flaws before they become problematic. More eyes, more heads, better solutions. This background serves as a key foundation for all Samsung Galaxy devices, along with end-to-end protection and real-time threat detection that is built into every single layer of its products.

Knox Matrix is just the latest development in the innovative history of Samsung Knox security. Samsung most recently introduced Knox Vault, a key security solution that isolates users’ most sensitive data to ensure it never falls into the wrong hands.

Previous evolutions included TrustZone, which provided a secure environment within the main operating system to run sensitive applications and processes separately from regular software. As such, work and play could coexist securely on the same device.

Samsung Knox also evolved into Knox Suite^[1] in order to help businesses and key institutions around the world efficiently secure, deploy and manage their fleet of devices with customizable, easy-to-manage software and end-to-end security.

It’s no wonder that industry analysts recognize Samsung Knox with top ratings, and multiple government agencies awarded certifications to Samsung Knox throughout the past decade. That’s why Samsung is proud to say: Knox is one of the most trusted security platforms in the world thanks to its defense-grade security.

By merit of this formidable track record, we are confident Samsung Knox is best placed to define the next era of device security. Connected technology will help us create better lives and better experiences — and more connectivity doesn’t necessarily have to mean more risk. With Samsung Knox, Samsung is setting the foundation for a safer tomorrow to be stronger together.

^{[1] Requires separate license key (purchased separately).}