A special Galaxy S22 privacy case can disable cameras, mic, radios at hardware level

Galaxy smartphones come with Samsung Knox security suite, offering a bunch of additional security features over stock Android. They are more secure against cyberattacks compared to many other Android devices. If that wasn’t already impressive, the tech giant is now offering an even higher level of security on the Galaxy S22 to protect users against even the most dangerous security attacks, such as the zero-click spyware utilized by the infamous NSO Group.

Privoro, a US-based company that has expertise in hardware-based mobile security, has partnered with Samsung and announced the SafeCase for the Galaxy S22. It protects the phone from spyware at the hardware level. The Privoro SafeCase for the Galaxy S22 looks like a super-thick protective case but has a security system that allows the owner to disable cameras, microphones, cellular network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC remotely to prevent attackers from spying on them.

Galaxy S22 Privoro SafeCase can control hardware even if the OS is hacked

The Privoro SafeCase communicates with the Galaxy S22’s Hardware Device Manager (HDM), a security feature that most people might not have heard of, to enable/disable various hardware components. Unlike most other mobile security solutions which work on top of the operating system and can fail if the OS is comprised, the HDM on the Galaxy S22 is a security layer that’s under the OS and has a higher privilege than the OS itself, allowing it to control hardware by bypassing the OS.

That means even if the OS itself is compromised, the Privoro SafeCase can still disable the phone’s cameras, microphones, and radios. The SafeCase seems to be very useful for private companies and government authorities, as it allows them to prevent attackers from spying on their employees or prevent employees from leaking sensitive information. With SafeCase, they can let employees use phones in classified and secure environments without worrying about cyberattacks or data getting leaked.

Comes with Bluetooth LE and a USB Type-C connector

The communication between the SafeCase and the Galaxy S22’s HDM takes place over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). According to Privoro, this method works securely even if the Bluetooth connection is compromised by attackers, as the case creates a “secure tunnel through” the comprised communication channel. Going by the images, the SafeCase also seems to have a USB Type-C connector, which is most likely there to provide power to the case by utilizing Galaxy S22's battery.

Currently, there’s no information on the pricing and availability of the Privoro SafeCase for the Galaxy S22. There’s also no clarity if this case is available only for the Galaxy S22 or for the S22+ and the S22 Ultra as well.