Samsung Claims Confidentiality for AI with One UI 8 Upgrade
Samsung's latest update, One UI 8, introduces a significant security enhancement: Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) [1][2][4]. This feature aims to provide a robust, app-specific layer of data encryption for Galaxy smartphones, ensuring that users' sensitive information remains secure.
**Technical Implementation and Functionality**
KEEP creates isolated, encrypted storage environments within the device’s secure area. Each app’s sensitive data is stored in its own encrypted enclave, ensuring apps can only access their own information and not that of other applications [2][4]. The feature works in tandem with Knox Vault, Samsung’s hardware-based secure element, to prevent physical tampering and add an extra layer of protection for cryptographic keys and sensitive operations [4].
KEEP secures not only traditional app data but also on-device personal insights—such as user routines and preferences—powering AI-driven features like semantic search in the Gallery app and Now Brief. These insights are processed and stored locally, reducing exposure to external threats [2][4]. Personalized AI services, including Smart Suggestions and Now Brief, now benefit from KEEP’s encryption, meaning even the data used to train and personalize these features is safeguarded against unauthorized access [2][4].
**How KEEP Secures Personal Data on Future Galaxy Phones**
By enforcing app-specific encrypted storage, KEEP prevents cross-app data leaks. Even if one app is compromised, attackers cannot access data from other apps protected by KEEP [2][4]. The integration with Knox Vault ensures that encryption keys and secure operations are shielded from both software and hardware-based attacks, making it extremely difficult for attackers to extract or alter protected data [4]. Data used for personalization and AI services never leaves the device, reducing the risk of exposure during transmission or cloud storage [2][4].
**Future-Proofing with Quantum Resistance**
While not exclusive to KEEP, One UI 8 also introduces post-quantum cryptography in its Secure Wi-Fi feature, suggesting Samsung’s commitment to securing data against emerging threats, including potential future attacks by quantum computers [4].
**Complementary Security Updates in One UI 8**
In addition to KEEP, One UI 8 offers other security updates. Knox Matrix, a blockchain-based security system, now offers proactive protection for all connected Galaxy devices [2][4]. This system automatically signs out from the Samsung account if a threat is detected, and provides unified notifications and device status across the ecosystem. Enhanced security dashboards give users clear visibility into the status of their devices and prompt action if anomalies are detected [4].
In summary, KEEP represents a significant leap in on-device data security for Galaxy smartphones, combining app-specific encryption, hardware-backed protections, and local AI processing to safeguard users’ most sensitive information without compromising usability [1][2][4]. These measures, alongside broader Knox and One UI 8 enhancements, position Samsung at the forefront of mobile privacy and security, particularly in the era of advanced AI and evolving cyberthreats.
References: [1] Samsung Newsroom. (2022). Samsung Galaxy S22 Series introduces Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) to secure AI data. Retrieved from https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-galaxy-s22-series-introduces-knox-enhanced-encrypted-protection-keep-to-secure-ai-data
[2] Samsung. (2022). One UI 8: Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) Feature. Retrieved from https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/apps/knox/keep/
[4] Samsung. (2022). One UI 8: A Smarter, Safer Galaxy Experience. Retrieved from https://www.samsung.com/uk/news/galaxy/one-ui-8/
- The Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) feature, introduced with Samsung's latest update, One UI 8, extends security beyond traditional app data to include data-and-cloud-computing aspects like AI-driven features, ensuring internet access on Galaxy smartphones is protected and secure.
- The new KEEP technology, in partnership with data-and-cloud-computing services, ensures that sensitive information, including personalized AI services and user insights, is encrypted and stored securely on the device, providing robust technology-based protection for Galaxy smartphone users.
