Yesterday, Samsung released the stable Android 14 (One UI 6.0) update to the Galaxy S23. The new software brings several new features, including improved privacy and security. Among those security features is the Auto Blocker feature that improves device security, allowing users to choose the best options as per their usage behavior.
Auto Blocker brings additional device and data security measures to Samsung devices running One UI 6
Auto Blocker is an opt-in feature that offers additional security measures, including the prevention of app installations through unauthorized sources. If you are experienced in finding safe sources for sideloading APK files (Android app/game installation files), then there's nothing that's changing for you. But if you don't sideload APK files or can't distinguish between safe and unsafe sources, you can turn on added protection that turns off the ability to install APK files from untrusted sources.
This feature also has other options, including app security checks to help you detect potential malware apps, harmful commands, and software installation through a USB cable. This protects you from a situation where an attacker gains physical access to your Galaxy phone and tries to install malicious apps/tools. It also helps when you're charging your device through a USB cable in public places.
Another option in Auto Blocker is the Message Guard. It stops Zero Click attacks, where messages containing image files with hidden malicious code in them. This feature was launched a few months ago with One UI 5.1, but back then, it only worked with Google Messages and Samsung Messages apps. Now, this feature also works with popular third-party messaging apps.
Dr. Seungwon Shin, EVP & Head of Security Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics, said, “At Samsung, we constantly strive to keep our users safe from security attacks, and with the introduction of Auto Blocker, users can continue to enjoy the benefits of our open ecosystem, knowing that their mobile experience is secured. We always seek to empower our users to choose for themselves what best suits their needs – rather than us deciding on their behalf, and Auto Blocker is no exception to that.”
