Anybody with a mobile device knows the struggle of maintaining data privacy. But do you know why companies take it so seriously? With new cyber security threats emerging daily, mobile device protection is more critical than ever. This is especially true if you want to keep sensitive information such as passwords, financial records and confidential work data or logins safe, and not in the hands of those who would use them for harm.

In the same breath, the nature of work and communication is changing. Working from home – which was already becoming a popular option pre-pandemic – is now more prevalent than ever. Similarly, bringing your own device to work is now commonplace, making both personal and work device security paramount.

Samsung provides a truly secure solution that goes beyond simple software protection

Ahead of the curve in 2013, Samsung launched Knox as a mobile security solution for our Android devices, and to give business users an even more compelling reason to adopt Galaxy phones and tablets for work.

While Knox started out as a security platform, it’s become so much more today with the addition of our device management software suite. However, security is and will always remain its core focus as new threats continue to emerge.

How does it work?

‘Locking’ your data and device with Knox provides total security, whilst allowing you to unlock the freedom of innovation – making your device fit for multiple purposes. In the same way that the combination of a laser sensor and a security gate closes and secures what’s behind one door, it opens another - because you can leave the house knowing your most valuable possessions are protected.

Samsung Knox works as a vault and a software-based security system that provides multi-layered protection, anchored from the chip up. The cutting-edge security mechanisms it runs in every layer of the software, close any potential gaps in security, regardless of which threats try to compromise the device. Over and above this, the most security-critical components are stored and processed by the hardware and with Knox, security is built into the way the hardware is designed for end-to-end protection. This is a step up from your average mobile security app, giving your device full coverage and protecting your most precious and critical data.

The difference is in the details

There’s more to security than meets the eye and there are several sophisticated security technologies on the market, including Knox, which protect sensitive information stored on a device.

How does Knox do it better? With its additional layers of protection that secure your device by exploring threats from a hacker’s point of view: If someone with ill intent can install a suspicious app on your phone, or make a user click on a phishing email, they are also able to steal both user and corporate data.

To achieve this, hackers leverage the vulnerabilities found on a device, which enables them to acquire system-level access (by gaining higher user privileges). If successful, they can export confidential data, and sensitive business information. Dig into the technical details to learn more about how Samsung Knox stops this from happening.

3 pillars of strength

The core of Knox security doesn’t lie in blocking malware (a method used in typical anti-virus software), but rather ensuring that your data isn’t compromised, even if malware does get in. If attackers somehow manage to get into a Samsung device, Knox’s end-to-end protection stops them from acquiring system-level access through best-in-class hardware-based security, real-time protection, and security updates. Let’s take a look at what this entails.

1. Hardware-based security: Samsung devices store and operate the most security-critical components, such as the device’s unique key, encryption key, and user credentials, in hardware-rooted storage. In our chipset, there’s a highly secure, completely isolated area called the TrustZone where most security-sensitive operations execute from. Knox Vault, first embedded on the Galaxy S21, takes this security to the next level with a dedicated chip and memory used to store the device password, PIN, pattern and biometrics.
2. Real-time protection: The Knox security platform monitors the kernel (low-level device software) and blocks unauthorized attempts to modify it, offering protection in real-time. App behaviours are monitored continuously and any attempts to escalate app privileges get blocked so that hackers can’t gain access. Very few users reboot their smartphone periodically, which is why it’s important to secure devices while they’re running, instead of only protecting them at boot (up) time.
3. Security updates: The third security pillar makes your phone capable of swiftly patching software updates as soon as new threats are discovered. Samsung offers a minimum of 4 years of security updates, with Enterprise Edition devices receiving a minimum of 5 years – that’s a lot of coverage.

While security lies at the core of Samsung Knox’s capabilities, it also has an array of features that make Knox a powerful option for enterprises, frontline workers, schools, and more. So, why not find out how it can be applied in your workplace?

This is protection

Wherever devices and user data are vulnerable, a new level of security is required on both hardware and software systems for more comprehensive protection. Samsung Knox provides a unique solution in 3 security pillars, without compromising user experience.

Join a global contingent of Android users and brands such as Harley Davidson, Pepsico – and even London’s Waterloo Police – in securing your mobile devices. Want to find out more about how Knox can protect your device and its data? Contact us to discuss the way forward or get more information here.