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 that your data cannot 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 Transcript² 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 is Galaxy’s promise that no matter how advanced your devices become or how much AI evolves – your privacy is secured.

^[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.

The latest security enhancements come via Samsung’s One UI 7 update, which was introduced with the Galaxy S25 series earlier this year and is now being rolled out to a broader range of devices across the Galaxy ecosystem. South Africa continues to grapple with high mobile phone theft rates, especially in urban areas like Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town. Whether it’s phones being snatched from hands at traffic lights, lifted at taxi ranks, or stolen in the dark or load-shedding-induced house robberies, Galaxy users now have new ways to protect their personal data.

Samsung’s new Theft Protection suite builds on existing Android security and introduces advanced layers of protection, even in cases where criminals might have access to your PIN or try to disable your device. Galaxy users can now enable a range of new security measures, including Identity Check, designed to offer stronger protection in complex theft scenarios. These features respond automatically and intelligently to suspicious activity, helping ensure that personal data remains secure and under the user’s control in these critical moments.

Existing and updated features in Theft Protection include:

• Theft Detection Lock: This uses machine learning to detect motions associated with theft such as snatching, and instantly locks the screen to stop unauthorized access.
• Offline Device Lock: The screen gets automatically locked if the device is disconnected from the network for an extended period, ensuring protection even when the device is offline.
• Remote Lock: If the device has already been stolen, users can lock it remotely using their phone number and a quick verification step. Remote Lock also allows users to regain control of their account and explore additional recovery options.

New Anti-Robbery features released on One UI 7 include:

• Identity Check: In unfamiliar locations, the ‘Safe Places’ feature requires biometric authentication for any changes to sensitive security settings, adding an additional layer of protection when a PIN may have been compromised.
• Security Delay: A key component of Identity Check, it triggers a one-hour waiting period if someone attempts to reset biometric data. This crucial buffer gives users time to lock the stolen phone from a connected device, such as a PC or tablet, before unauthorized access can occur.

These updated theft features are now becoming available on previous flagship devices, starting with the Galaxy S24 series, Z Fold6, Z Flip6, Z Fold5, Z Flip 5, S23 and S22 series,  with future updates planned for even more Galaxy smartphones.

Further steps to take if your Samsung Galaxy device is lost or stolen

How to remotely lock your Samsung Galaxy device:

• Sign into Samsung Find using your Samsung account
• Select your phone on the left-hand side of the page, then choose Lost Mode in the device details section
• Create a PIN to unlock your phone if recovered, and enter it twice to confirm
• You will have the option to add an emergency contact and a custom message that will display on the locked screen (It’s recommended to skip this step to avoid sharing personal contact details)
• When you are ready, select the Lock button and verify your Samsung account to activate Lost mode
• If your device is recovered, you can unlock it using the PIN that was created when setting lost mode on your device

How to remotely delete data on your Samsung Galaxy device: 

• Visit the Samsung Find website
• Select the phone you want to erase and choose Erase Data
• Verify your Samsung account credentials
• Review the information provided and tap Erase to confirm

• All the data on your mobile, including Samsung Pay information, will be permanently deleted and cannot be recovered
• This will also reset your phone, meaning you won’t be able to locate and control it via Samsung Find
• Make sure to regularly back up your data to the cloud so you can restore it to a new device if needed

How to remotely change your Samsung and/or Google account passwords: 

• It is recommended to change the passwords for your Samsung and Google accounts (or whichever accounts are linked to your device) by signing in through their respective websites
• Once changed, you will be signed out of all connected devices, except the one you’re using
• This prevents unauthorized access to account-linked features and protects your personal information

How to track your Galaxy device:

If your device is turned on and connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, its last known location will appear on a map

• Visit the Samsung Find website
• Sign in with the Samsung account associated with your device (or a guardian’s account)
• If multiple devices are linked to your account, they will all appear – select the one you want to locate
• You’ll see its current or last known location

Other remote features available: 

• Ring: Make your device ring even if it’s set to silent or vibrate
• Extend battery life: Activate power-saving settings to keep your device on longer and improve the chances of recovery
• Track location: Enable real-time location tracking and your phone’s location will update every 15 minutes until tracking is stopped

Other ways to locate Galaxy devices

Find your phone using your Galaxy watch (WearOS 5 or higher):

• Swipe down from the top of your Galaxy Watch to open Quick settings
• Tap the Find My Phone icon
• Tap Start to begin the search – your phone’s ringtone will sound
• Once found, tap Stop on your watch or the X icon on your phone

Find your Galaxy Watch: 

• Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone
• Tap Find My Watch (or Find My Band / Find My Gear, depending on your device)
• If connected via Bluetooth, tap Start
• Your watch will vibrate and play a sound (depending on model)
• Once found, tap the X icon on your watch or Stop on your phone

Find your Galaxy Buds: 

• Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone or tablet
• Tap Find My Earbuds
• Tap Start – your earbuds will begin beeping and gradually increase in volume for three minutes
• Once found, tap Stop

Using Google’s Find My Device:

• Google’s Find My Device is built into Android via Google Play Services
• You will need a Google account to use it
• With this tool, you can set a new password, make your device ring, display a message, lock and wipe your device, and more

Contact the authorities and your mobile network provider: 

• Once taken the steps above, report your lost or stolen device to the police and record a crime incident report
• Contact your mobile network provider to freeze your contract and prevent unauthorized usage

For additional device protection, it is recommended to have insurance that covers accidental damage, loss, or theft. Samsung offers a variety of protection plans – visit Samsung.com to explore coverage options that best suit your needs.

¹ Stat sourced from a Report on Polity

Being productive has never been easier, thanks to our devices. From smartphones to smart homes, our lifestyles are now incredibly connected. But as this connectivity grows, so do concerns around device and data safety.

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.

Not only does it encrypt your personal data, but the Samsung Knox Vault processor keeps your important information secure, including sensitive information linked to services like Samsung Pay. Any data saved on Samsung Knox Vault storage is isolated from the main operating system for even further protection. Not only is your data secure, it is also protected against a variety of attacks including voltage, temperatures and laser attacks.

Check out the video below to learn more about how Samsung Knox Vault protects your most important information.

Understanding the importance mobile phones and devices hold work, home and on-the-go, Samsung Knox is the security platform for how people really live. From the very moment the device is turned on, Knox continually serves to protect its integrity as well as the personal and professional information stored on it. Inherent to the device itself; Knox protects us day and night.

Comprised of the Samsung Knox platform, products and solutions, Knox’s built-in security is two-fold. The platform begins in the device chipset itself and extends through every single layer of a Samsung device, including the operating system and application layers. The platform ensures Samsung devices have overlapping defense and security mechanisms that protect against intrusion, malware, viruses and many more malicious threats.

Complete Protection in any Environment

Today’s mobile lifestyle allows us to function in ways that best suits our needs. Modern mobile professionals crave a device that operates across their professional and personal lives and they demand high-level security that protects them no matter what. With work and play blending together more often, important apps, information and messages for both personal and corporate life are mixed together on a single phone. This increases the opportunity for unwanted outsiders to access sensitive data such as email, contacts, photos, account information and more.

Samsung Knox makes a modern mobile lifestyle possible by allowing the separation of professional information from personal on the same device through Secure Folder. Secure Folder uses Knox container technology to provide a secure space separate from other apps, messages and information creating an additional layer of security.

Potential Mobile Threats are Constantly Looming

Life moves fast. Every minute of every day, potential threats loom, and for many users, mobile security might not always be top of mind, leaving data and personal information open and susceptible to risk.

The adoption of mobile lifestyles has increased the use of public Wi-Fi. A 2016 study from the Pew Research Center found that 54 percent of American internet users log on through public Wi-Fi networks, primarily to use email and social media. A common misconception facing mobile users is the assumption that public Wi-Fi is safe, especially at trusted establishments like popular coffee shops, hotels and airports. While convenient, connecting to public portals can make mobile devices susceptible to security breaches, and expose personal and business information to risk.

Samsung Knox’s security platform builds a digital fortress around your mobile device, shielding sensitive information from unwarranted visitors and malware attacks so that you can get your much-needed coffee and headlines uninterrupted.

Samsung Knox Protects Your Personal Digital Payments

Digital payments have become standard in today’s mobile world. Without the right security, making transactions on-the-go can put your most sensitive financial information at risk. When using mobile payment services such as Samsung Pay, Samsung Knox brings additional defenses against would be attackers directly to your phone. Through constant monitoring, Knox ensures your card information is encrypted in a separate and secure data vault at all times.

The easiest way for unauthorized access to data is through passwords, meaning simple internet browsing can put your data at risk with poor password practices. The same study from Pew Research Center found that most Americans use and re-use simple passwords that are easy to memorize but are therefore easier to hack. Password management programs like Samsung Pass provide a simple and secure ‘identity management as-a-service’, which enables secure internet access through biometric authentication. Samsung Knox is there to ensure that your biometric data is encrypted and kept intact, allowing users to use their biometric information to browse the web with confidence. *

Samsung Knox at Work

Samsung Knox works just as well for business use. From banking, sales, education and healthcare, to taxi services, advanced computing, airline and automotive industries – all types of businesses are taking advantage of Samsung Knox to deliver better solutions and customer service while keeping the integrity of their – and their customers’ –  data intact.

As businesses continue to adopt mobile technology to simplify operations and increase efficiency, security has become more important than ever. The Samsung Knox platform provides multi-layered protection that isolates and encrypts corporate data through on-device encryption, and constantly monitors device integrity.

Samsung Knox goes beyond protecting critical corporate information. With Knox Configure, organizations can completely customize and tailor a mobile experience that suits the environment for which devices are destined. It provides IT managers with configuration, application deployment and UI/UX customization capabilities as well as remote bulk device enrollment and provisioning services, putting them in complete control of their mobile solution from start to finish.

Samsung Knox was Designed for Life

Today’s world moves at a fast pace and requires us to keep up. Sometimes we get caught in the moment and security becomes an afterthought – that’s why we created Samsung Knox. For those inevitable moments of vulnerability and insecurity that life brings our way, Knox is working so you can focus on the issues that matter most.

* Available functions, features, and compatible applications for Samsung Pass may vary from country to country.