By Dr. Seungwon Shin
(EVP & Head of Security Team, Mobile eXperience Business, Samsung Electronics)
One UI 6 is here. It boosts Galaxy’s customizability and the freedom to choose how your device works. With smartphones now looking after more aspects of our lives than ever, being and feeling in control is an essential part of the modern mobile experience. A device should work for you — not the other way around. As an open ecosystem that empowers users to define their experience according to their priorities, Galaxy has always stood for choices. From a security and privacy perspective, I believe Galaxy has a duty to give users more say over how they are protected. Having options encourages you to think about what’s really right for you. That’s the philosophy behind Auto Blocker, introduced as part of One UI 6.
Auto Blocker is a package of additional security measures and the latest to join Galaxy’s stable of security and privacy innovations. Just as there is not one single type of cyber threat, there should never be just one approach to security. That’s why Auto Blocker’s safeguards are wide-ranging; it gives users more ways to stay safe, on their terms and with minimal effort.
Let me put it another way: Galaxy lets users set their own boundaries without building a wall around them.
Boundaries, Not Walls
One of Auto Blocker’s features is the ability to enable or disable sideloading. This is the act of installing an app that’s not available on official platforms, such as Google Play or Galaxy Store. Sideloading is hugely popular as there are many benefits for users, including enhanced customization and control over their device’s functionality.
There are entire online communities full of advice and testimonials, dedicated to safe and responsible sideloading, and to new ways of using Galaxy devices that open up exciting possibilities. For those who fully intend to sideload, they won’t notice any change with One UI 6 because Auto Blocker is off by default. Then, what’s the benefit of opting in?
We constantly look out for new threats, and it is increasingly common to see social engineering attacks like voice phishing. This is when an attacker doesn’t target a device, but targets users and aims for human error. For example, if someone called your mother pretending to be from the bank, and they scam her into installing malware. With Auto Blocker activated, such an attempt would be detected and stopped.
So, for those not in the habit of extensive device customizations, turning on Auto Blocker represents additional and effortless peace of mind. And those who love to customize are entirely unaffected. Not only is Galaxy an ecosystem that empowers informed choices, but it is also one that adapts to changes in the digital landscape. Galaxy means the freedom to set your own boundaries — and move them when you wish.
A Complete Package
The option to toggle sideloading is just one part of Auto Blocker, which is packed with other safeguards and effortlessly protects users in other likely scenarios.
As Sri Lanka’s No. 1 smartphone brand, Samsung has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘People’s Youth Choice Brand of the Year’ for four consecutive years by SLIM Sri Lanka’s review of the country’s most valuable brands. Samsung’s customer base in Sri Lanka spans across all age groups, with a particular focus on the Gen Z and Millennial segments.