TECHNOLOGY
How Samsung protects your smartphones from cyberattacks
Posted on Nov. 26, 2021 8:34 p.m.
The smartphone has become the center of how we work, live, and play. For many, it has even become the only thing that we bring out of the home, replacing our laptops, wallets, and even house keys.
While we are generally more mindful today of the dangers posed by hackers to our laptops and computers, we also need to recognize that smartphones are prone to cyberattacks as well. Hackers go where the crowds are and right now, that’s mobile devices. That’s why it’s never been more important to stay safe, and why we’re constantly innovating to protect you and your data against emerging threats.
The billions of smartphones around the world are filled with sensitive personal and business data, providing infinite opportunities for hackers to steal and sell private information. In fact, cybersecurity firm IronNet reported that cyberattacks have increased 168% between May 2020 and May 2021, with attacks on smartphones becoming one of the biggest cybersecurity threats in the Asia Pacific region.
Samsung is committed to keeping users safe and secure, with Samsung Knox providing true end-to-end protection throughout the entire lifecycle of your device. In this article, we explore five potential cyberattack scenarios that could happen when the safety of your device is compromised – and explain how Samsung Knox protects you from these threats, in line with our ethos of placing security at the heart of every decision we make.
Cyberattack Scenario 1: Unauthorized backdoor access
Outside of Samsung, developers routinely create software ‘backdoors’ for apps and even mobile OSes so that they can gain easy access for troubleshooting purposes. However, hackers are able to discover these backdoors, which usually bypass any or all cybersecurity measures on the device in question.
To prevent unauthorized backdoor access, do not download unofficial or unauthorized apps. Downloading software other than what the manufacturer originally installed to gain full access to the device’s operating system could also introduce malware or spyware that leads to unauthorized backdoor access.
How Samsung protects you against this threat: At Samsung, we design, create, and validate every computer chip, every piece of wiring, and every hardware component before using them to manufacture our smart devices in highly secure factories around the world. This chip-up approach gives us control over design, manufacturing, and assembly, ensuring a secure supply chain that prevents unauthorized backdoor access in our devices – resulting in an end product that our users can trust completely.
Cyberattack Scenario 2: Compromised, weak, or re-used passwords
As users continue to create new accounts for digital services, ranging from telehealth services to new ride-hailing and e-commerce platforms, they provide more avenues for hackers to exploit.
An August 2021 survey from IBM found, 86% of consumers in the Asia Pacific admit that they re-use the same credentials across multiple online accounts. This is a poor data privacy habit – just one attack could leave a user’s entire internet footprint vulnerable to hackers.
How Samsung protects you against this threat: Samsung’s devices are equipped with innovative biometric authentication technology, such as Ultrasonic Fingerprint so that access to your data can be protected even if your device is lost or stolen. Known as Samsung Pass, this biometric authentication tool also lets users easily access log-in credentials without the need to remember countless usernames and passwords. To take data protection to the next level, we have also equipped our devices with Knox Vault, a secure processor that operates independently from the main CPU. Knox Vault securely isolates your biometrics data from the rest of your phone, so no one can get their hands on your data.
Cyberattack Scenario 3: Free Wi-Fi may not be so free after all
Free Wi-Fi hotspots are a boon for everyone who needs access to the Internet on their mobile devices for work or play. However, public Wi-Fi services provide an opportunity for hackers to steal data, as the data that you send across the web – such as credit card information for online purchases – might first pass through the hands of a hacker via a public Wi-Fi network.
How Samsung protects you against this threat: For everyday browsing, Secure Wi-Fi encrypts outgoing internet traffic and disables tracking apps and websites. It allows you to browse the internet safely on public wireless connections without fear of security breaches.
Cyberattack Scenario 4: Phishing attacks compromising sensitive data
Phishing is a type of attack in which cybercriminals trick victims into handing over sensitive information or installing malware, disguised as links, attachments, or even legitimate apps, on their devices.
Once hackers have access to your sensitive information, they could use it to demand a ransom from you, steal your personal information, carry out other vices, or make purchases with your credit card information, for instance.
How Samsung protects you against this threat: Device Protection in Samsung Device Care continuously scans your device for malware or suspicious activity and alerts you when you mistakenly install malicious apps through detection via the McAfee protection.
Additionally, the Samsung Secure Folder keeps data secure and isolates problematic apps within the folder to keep apps away from users’ personal information.
Meanwhile, when you’re purchasing with Samsung Pay on your mobile device, your card information is encrypted and completely isolated to protect it at all times.
Cyberattack Scenario 5: Zero-day vulnerability
As hackers and cyber attackers are constantly trying to hack into devices, they are always on the lookout for zero-day vulnerabilities. A zero-day vulnerability is a vulnerability in a system or device that has been discovered but is not yet patched. This can be particularly dangerous as cybercriminals target the flaws in a system before developers or the public are aware it even exists.
How Samsung protects you against this threat: Samsung Knox offers real-time protection, always actively protecting your devices against data attacks or malware. This means that unauthorized attempts to access or modify your phone’s core is blocked in real-time.
When users reboot their Samsung smartphone, Secure Boot is activated to detect any unauthorized software and block attempts to compromise the device through multi-layered, defense-grade security. If the smartphone is booted in an unapproved state, Samsung Knox will automatically lock-up apps containing sensitive data such as Samsung Pay, Samsung Pass, Secure Folder, or Samsung Health.
Looking ahead to a more secure future
The smartphone has become a key part of our digital lives, whether from home, in the classroom, or even in the office. With new cyber-threat vectors continuously putting us at risk, we need to stay vigilant and play an active role in keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe in this digital world.
Security does not just stop at smartphones for Samsung, as Knox protection also extends to the smart appliances in Samsung’s portfolio for an additional layer of protection. This means that your Samsung smart appliances are protected and secured, whether you are mirroring the video you are watching on your Galaxy device with the SmartView app to the screen on your Family Hub™ or using the AI function on your AI EcoBubble washing machine to calibrate optimal wash settings.
As a Samsung user, you can be assured that you have a digital partner committed to world-class security and privacy standards – keeping you safe while you work, study, and play.
To know more about how Samsung Knox protects your devices from cyberattacks, watch Samsung Knox: Collective Protection or read it at samsung.com/ph/news/local/how-samsung-protects-your-smartphones-from-cyberattacks/.
TECHNOLOGY
Converge kicks off data privacy advocacy program for students
3:30 p.m. December 12, 2024
AMID the increasing social media activity of young Filipinos, leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has launched an advocacy campaign that advances digital literacy and privacy awareness among school children.
Through its Corporate Governance and Data Privacy (CGDP) Group, Converge introduced its Project PIGLET (Privacy Integration through Guided Learning of Emerging Technologies), which intends to educate learners on the importance of protecting their personal information online.
To kickstart the initiative, Converge tied up with its neighboring primary school Francisco Legaspi Memorial School (FLMS) in Pasig to engage its pupils in Grades 2 to 6 in a child-friendly discussion on digital literacy and responsible online behavior.
“The goal of this initiative is to raise awareness about the potential risks in the internet since children nowadays are already given access to gadgets and social media. We believe it is essential to start educating kids to be more vigilant from an early age, both at home and in school, to help them avoid falling victim to these threats,” said Converge SVP and Corporate Compliance and Data Protection Officer Atty. Laurice Esteban-Tuason.
During the launch, Converge hosted a storytelling session for the pupils, along with their parents and teachers. Integrating a child-friendly spin on the topic, the story follows the adventures of the ‘Astro Kids’ in the ‘Internet Universe,’ where they encounter deceptive monsters, feigning friendliness, tricking them to share their personal information like their full name, birthday, address, and contact information.
With the help of Captain Conrad, the Astro Kids successfully defeated the monsters in the story, guiding the participants to be cautious and not to easily trust individuals who seem overly friendly in cyberspace. Additionally, the students were encouraged to inform their parents or teachers about such incidents of potential identity theft, fraudulent schemes, and misinformation.
“The technology is constantly evolving, and our call is for all of us to be aware and vigilant as we navigate all these. We hope that the lesson we impart through this program is a step to a safer online and digital experience for all of us,” added Esteban-Tuason.
Next year, Converge plans to explore other approaches to engage students at other academic levels and visit more schools throughout the country to spread the campaign.
Converge has been actively striving to help foster safe and secure online spaces for Filipinos. In 2022, Converge collaborated with UK-based child abuse watchdog Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) to combat the distribution of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse.
Additionally, Converge partnered with the Stairway Foundation last year to raise awareness about ways to safeguard kids against online sexual abuse and exploitation.
Moreover, ensuring that its network won’t be used for criminal activities, the company also blocked almost 12 billion entry attempts to illicit and harmful web addresses as of end-2023.
TECHNOLOGY
Keep track of your health in style: 4 new must-have Xiaomi wearables
6:30 a.m. November 30, 2024
Xiaomi’s latest lineup of fitness wearables make health and wellness tracking super stylish and functional
Whether you’re living an active life or not, you shouldn’t underestimate the benefits of tracking your health and exercise. Keeping tabs on your fitness and wellness is easier than ever through the smart devices we own — and now that fitness wearables are more accessible than they were before, there’s nothing stopping you from your best and healthiest life.
But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to think about which fitness wearable you’re going to go for. Fortunately, Xiaomi’s latest lineup of smart wearables narrow down the best choices for you, no matter your fitness level and budget.
- For the starter: Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active
Looking to get your first wearable but want to dip your toes before going all out? Try the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active, the entry-level option in the Smart Band 9 series.
It’s got a 1.47-inch display on a light 9.9-mm body, and keeps track of 50 different sports modes for 18 days on a full charge. It’s water-resistant up to five meters, which means you can also take it on your swim. Personalize it with colorful straps and over 100 customizable digital watch faces, making it uniquely yours.
Get the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop for only P1,199 and at authorized offline stores starting November 30.
2. For the casual: Xiaomi Smart Band 9
If you’re already using a wearable and want some more functionality on a bigger budget, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is a great choice to try.
The Smart Band 9 goes up to a stunning 1.62-inch AMOLED display also on a thin 9.9-mm body, and goes up to over 150 sports modes on a battery that goes longer at 21 days on a full charge. It can also monitor more vitals, including your heart rate, SpO2, stress, and your sleep quality, allowing for more insight into your health.
Get the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 on Lazada and at authorized offline stores for only P1,879.
3. For the enthusiast: Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro
Want to take your monitoring and tracking to a whole new level? The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro is the top-of-the-line in the Smart Band 9 series, offering the most features and functionality for power users.
The Smart Band 9 Pro has a beautiful 1.74-inch narrow-edge quadrilateral display resting on a high-quality metal frame with new straps. Along with the features in the Smart Band 9, the Smart Band 9 Pro also has professional workout analysis that personally guides you in doing your exercises and making the most out of your active life. Staying healthy has never been easier and more stylish.
Get the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro on Lazada and Shopee for only P3,799 and at authorized offline stores starting November 30.
4. For the super-stylish: Xiaomi Watch 2
You might need the tracking and monitoring functionality of a fitness wearable, but maybe you still want the piece on your wrist to look like a traditional watch. That’s where the Xiaomi Watch 2 comes in.
The Xiaomi Watch 2 is the ultimate lifestyle wearable, with a classic-looking 1.43-inch round AMOLED display. The water-resistant (up to five meters) watch has a wide array of sensors, from its 161 sports modes to health trackers to even environmental sensors that can tell you temperature, humidity, and direction. The Xiaomi Watch 2 can last up to 65 hours on a single full charge, and you can make it uniquely your own with over 200 customizable watch faces and colorful strap options.
If you want to go all-out in choosing a wearable, you can’t go wrong with the Xiaomi Watch 2.
Get the Xiaomi Watch 2 with a free three-month Spotify subscription on Lazada for P8,499 and Shopee for P7,599, and at authorized offline stores.
So if you’re looking for your first or your next fitness wearable, your best bet is with Xiaomi’s lineup!
To learn more about Xiaomi’s smart wearables, visit the official website at http://mi.com/ph.
TECHNOLOGY
Take life’s challenges head on with the OPPO A3
10:20 p.m. November 15, 2024
Enduring everyday life requires Filipinos to have a mobile device that can be their reliable companion to take on any challenge that arises.
The OPPO A3, OPPO’s strongest A Series device yet, stands out for its durability and reliability, making it a perfect companion for Filipinos in all conditions.
Embodying the #OPPOLangSakalam reputation, the OPPO A3 has been proven and tested to endure accidental falls.
If you’re always on the go, whether for work or school, it’s possible that your phone might take a tumble here and there. Smartphones can get damaged when such situations occur but with the OPPO A3 by your side, you can continue with your day with its ability to still function perfectly without any problems in case it accidentally slips out of your hands or pockets.
Carrying the durability standards of the OPPO A Series, the OPPO A3 passed the Military-Grade Shock Resistance (MIL-STD 810H), putting users’ minds to ease if ever these circumstances come about.
During several tests to see its durability, including a test from a height of 1.2 meters in different angles, the OPPO A3 showed no functional damage after going through it 26 times. When dropped on a marble tile face down from a height of 0.3 meters for 100 times, the device also didn’t show any function issues.
Apart from passing the Military-Grade testing, the OPPO A3 also acquired the SGS Certification for its strong build, which adds peace of mind to users. After being stepped on for 100 times during another test, the phone showed no signs of functional damage.
Face your battles boldly with the OPPO A3
The OPPO A3’s Military-Grade Shock Resistance and SGS Certification proves its durability and reliability, making it the perfect smartphone for everyone. What’s more, the OPPO A3 also comes in multiple variants and stylish colorways, offering users options that will fit their needs.
- The OPPO A3 6GB RAM and 128GB ROM variant is priced at Php 8,999, available in Starry Purple and Sparkle Black.
- The OPPO A3 8GB ROM and 128GB RAM is priced at PHP 9,999 while the OPPOA3 8GB ROM and 256GB RAM is priced at PHP 11,999 available in Starlight White and Sparkle Black.
Get a hold of the OPPO A3 in all OPPO stores nationwide and online via OPPO’s e-commerce platforms on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.
For more information on the OPPO A3, visit OPPO’s official website at www.oppo.com/ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official Facebook page.
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