Samsung is set to launch its latest Galaxy smartphones with One UI 8, introducing a comprehensive suite of advanced privacy and security features designed to protect users in an increasingly AI-driven and connected world. The update, debuting July 9 with the new foldable Galaxy Z series, will soon roll out to existing Galaxy devices as well.
Key Security Enhancements in One UI 8
1. Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP): Secure AI Data Storage
One UI 8 introduces KEEP, a new encrypted storage system developed to safeguard data used by on-device AI features. KEEP creates app-specific encrypted zones, ensuring each app can only access its own private data. This system supports the Galaxy Personal Data Engine (PDE), which powers AI-based functions like Now Brief and Smart Gallery search, keeping all personal information strictly on-device and further protected by Samsung’s hardware-based Knox Vault. KEEP is designed to scale with future AI tools, making privacy a core system component rather than just a settings option.
2. Cross-Device Threat Prevention with Knox Matrix
Samsung is enhancing Knox Matrix to provide more robust, ecosystem-wide threat detection. If a device is compromised—such as through hacking or unauthorized identity use—it will be automatically signed out of the Samsung Account, preventing threats from spreading to other devices or cloud services. Users are notified across all their Galaxy devices and guided to a security status page for quick response. Even devices lacking the latest security patches can display warnings, enabling early action.
3. Post-Quantum Cryptography for Secure Wi-Fi
One UI 8 upgrades Secure Wi-Fi with post-quantum encryption, initially launching with the Galaxy S25 series. This advanced cryptography strengthens key exchanges, defending against future threats from quantum computing that could potentially decrypt today’s encrypted data. Secure Wi-Fi also adds features like Auto Protect, which activates encryption on public networks, Enhanced Privacy Protection to obscure device information, and detailed Protection Activity logs.
4. Core Security Tools and Privacy Controls
- Knox Vault: Stores critical credentials and biometric data in a hardware-isolated zone, protecting them even if the OS is compromised.
- Auto Blocker: Prevents unverified app installations, blocks harmful commands, and reduces exposure to zero-click attacks.
- Advanced Intelligence Settings: Lets users keep AI data processing strictly on-device, disabling cloud-based processing if desired.
- Enhanced Theft Protection: Adds features like identity verification and timed access delays to prevent unauthorized access in case of theft.
Availability
These advanced security and privacy features will be available with Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy smartphones running One UI 8, starting with the new Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 series. The rollout underscores Samsung’s commitment to delivering powerful, trusted mobile technology in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.