Along with the launch of One UI 6 for several of its flagship and midrange Android devices, Samsung also recently announced its new “Auto Blocker” feature, a security tool exclusive for Samsung Galaxy users, which the company says brings a new level of security for Samsung mobile devices. The feature is available as part of the much-awaited One UI 6 update, which is available on devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S23 series, Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5, as well as the Galaxy Tab S9 devices.
Galaxy users who want to improve their mobile security can use Auto Blocker, which is an opt-in package with the latest One UI update. Seungwon Shin, EVP & Head of Security Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung comments:
“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.”
With that said, Auto Blocker comes with several features that add some much-welcome security for users’ devices. This includes preventing app installations from unauthorized sources, which some folks might know as sideloading. While this is arguably one of Android’s most popular features (given the platform’s track record as an open platform), some people who don’t really sideload apps onto their device might feel more at ease with the feature turned on; the setting is turned off by default though, so users who are more into tinkering with their devices won’t really experience any major changes.
Samsung adds that Auto Blocker comes with a wide range of different controls to fine tune your Samsung Galaxy phone’s security, which includes app security checks to screen any potential malware and harmful commands, as well as unwanted software installations via USB connections. Samsung says that this feature will come in handy for situations that a physical device is connected to a user’s smartphone.
Also included is an update for Message Guard, which reduces Zero Click attacks or direct messages which can sometimes contain malicious code. The feature was first launched for messaging apps from Samsung and Google, although it can now work with third-party messaging apps as well, including Messenger, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
Users can check for the Auto Blocker feature via the latest One UI 6 update. The update is available for several Samsung devices, which include the Galaxy S23 series, S22 series, S21 series, Z Fold5, Z Flip5, Z Fold4, Z Flip4, Z Fold3, Z Flip3, A54, A53, A34, A33, M54, M53, M34, M33 devices operating on One UI 6.0 or above. Users can check for the update by heading into their Settings menu, going to Software Update and then tapping on Download and Install to check if their device is eligible for the latest One UI 6 system update.
One UI 6 comes with several new features from Android 14, as well as Samsung-exclusive software and apps.
