For businesses managing financed or subsidized devices, securing them against malicious actors is now more critical than ever. You already knew that, but did you know about Knox Guard’s Hardened Security mode, coming in January 2026?
Built on Knox Guard’s existing capabilities, Hardened Security mode is designed to aid businesses by providing comprehensive protection against tampering and unauthorized access, while supporting smooth day-to-day operations.
Let’s find out more!
Table of contents:
- Enhanced security and protection
- Key features of Hardened Security mode
- Preparing for Hardened Security mode
- A strong and secure future
Enhanced security and protection
Hardened Security mode strengthens Knox Guard's core framework, combining a variety of mechanisms to improve existing security controls and prevent tampering from any malicious actors.
Hardened Security mode includes:
- Comprehensive security coverage: The Default lock and Hacking lock mechanisms work together to continuously secure devices from potential threats.
- Mechanisms reinforced by policies: Security policies reinforce existing anti-tampering mechanisms and help maintain device integrity.
- Clearer device ownership: Customer information is displayed during and after Knox Guard enrollment, reminding end users that their device is under the care of your company.
Together, these components help businesses strengthen device security, reducing risks across your device fleet!
Key features of Hardened Security mode
Hardened Security mode leverages Samsung Galaxy devices’ built-in security architecture to help safeguard against fraud. When enabled, a unique set of security hardening mechanisms is automatically applied to deter hacking attempts.
Key features include:
- Default lock: automatically locks devices when potential security threats are detected, reducing manual intervention from admins.
- Hacking lock: continuously monitors device integrity and, if a compromise is detected, can trigger locking the screen, camera restrictions, and CPU or memory throttling.
- Multi-layered lock: helps secure devices systemically by locking components at both the hardware and software levels.
- Dedicated UX: displays clear ownership messaging during and after Knox Guard enrollment, reminding users they're using financed devices.
Preparing for Hardened Security mode
Hardened Security mode’s comprehensive features can provide many benefits to businesses managing financed devices as they face risks from hacking attempts.
This mode will be introduced in our new tenant domain feature early next year. Whereby specialized features, such as Hardened Security mode, can be automatically enabled based on your domain’s specific use cases and security requirements.
For customers enrolled in the Device Financing domain, Hardened Security mode will be automatically enabled on all newly uploaded devices with hardened security architecture, starting with the Knox Guard 26.01 release. This includes:
- Samsung Galaxy A17 LTE
- Samsung Galaxy S26
- All subsequent device releases
If these devices are already in your tenant, you can decide whether or not you’d like to apply Hardened Security mode when selecting a domain.
So, which tenant domain best suits you? Good news—you can check out our introduction to Knox Guard Tenant Domains to learn more!
Please note: For device financing customers, Hardened Security mode is mandatory. Once applied to a device, it can’t be reversed.
If you’re enrolled in a non-financing domain, you won’t be able to leverage this feature; however, you’ll still be able to explore tailored solutions through the upcoming tenant domain feature.
A strong and secure future
With stronger control over devices, Hardened Security mode helps businesses secure financed and subsidized devices by combining automatic threat detection, multi-layered protections, and clear ownership indicators.
By expanding locking controls beyond basic locking features and integrating comprehensive device restrictions, Knox Guard’s newest solution supports more efficient business operations while protecting your assets.
There’s no better time to secure your devices than now. Learn more about Knox Guard today, or speak with a Samsung Knox representative to get started. Additionally, you can redeem a free 90-day trial license to experience Knox Guard’s capabilities!
