Samsung Galaxy S25 series (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, June 9 (Korea Bizwire) — As cybersecurity concerns mount across South Korea, Samsung Electronics is stepping up its smartphone security, unveiling a series of anti-theft upgrades through its latest AI-integrated platform, One UI 7.
According to industry sources on June 8, the tech giant has introduced advanced identity verification and theft-prevention features in its newest software update, targeting both remote hacks and physical theft.
One of the standout additions requires biometric authentication—such as fingerprint or facial recognition—when attempting to change sensitive security settings from unfamiliar locations, providing an extra layer of protection even if a device’s PIN code is compromised.
Another new safeguard introduces a one-hour security delay if someone attempts to reset biometric data. This delay allows legitimate users to remotely lock their phones from connected devices like PCs or tablets before unauthorized access is completed.
These features build on existing AI-based theft protection tools, such as motion detection that locks the screen during suspicious movements (e.g., pickpocketing), an offline lock feature that activates when the device is disconnected from the network for extended periods, and remote locking through basic authentication even after a phone is stolen.
The risk of smartphone hacking is steadily increasing. (Yonhap)
The updated security measures are already being applied to flagship models, including the Galaxy S22, S23, and S24 series, as well as foldable devices like the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip 6. Samsung says it plans to expand these protections to additional models over time.
Looking ahead, the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip7 and Fold7, set to launch next month, are expected to debut with One UI 8—an iteration rumored to include further security innovations.
Among them is an enhanced “Kill Switch,” which, beyond remotely locking or wiping a lost device, will instantly hide icons and apps stored in the user’s Secure Folder. Once activated, the data inside is encrypted, app functions are suspended, and even notifications are blocked until proper authentication is provided.
While Samsung emphasizes that it is “committed to the highest standards of mobile security,” some experts caution that powerful tools like Kill Switch carry inherent risks. If hackers were to gain control of such functions, users could be entirely locked out of their own devices, amplifying the potential damage.
An industry insider noted, “As hacking techniques become more sophisticated, so must security. Ongoing R&D is critical to ensure these protective tools work for users—not against them.”
The enhanced features highlight the growing arms race in mobile security, as global tech firms like Samsung and Apple compete to reassure consumers in an increasingly digital—and vulnerable—world.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
