Samsung Galaxy gets new Auto Blocker anti-malware feature

Samsung has unveiled a caller information characteristic called 'Auto Blocker' arsenic portion of nan One UI 6 update, offering enhanced malware protection connected Galaxy devices.

Auto Blocker is an opt-in information feature that prevents nan side-loading of risky apps (APKs) downloaded from extracurricular nan Galaxy Store and Google Play.

This is simply a measurement to protect users from societal engineering attacks that person them to download and instal APKs that infect them pinch malware aliases spyware.

Users who request to instal APKs originated from unofficial sources will still beryllium capable to do it, arsenic Auto Blocker is not progressive by default.

A 2nd characteristic of Auto Blocker is nan expertise to execute app information checks powered by McAfee to place imaginable malware. Unfortunately, this characteristic is not presently disposable connected U.S. bearer models.

Auto Blocker besides blocks unauthorized commands and package installations via nan USB port, safeguarding users erstwhile they complaint their devices astatine nationalist stations.

The Auto Blocker settings menu
Source: Samsung

With nan motorboat of One UI 6, Samsung's Android 14-based OS, Message Guard has besides been enhanced pinch support for celebrated third-party messaging apps.

Initially protecting against zero-click attacks successful conscionable Google and Samsung messaging apps, it now besides covers Messenger, Telegram, KakaoTalk, and WhatsApp.

Availability

Auto Blocker and nan updated Message Guard are disposable connected Samsung Galaxy devices that tally nan latest One UI release, type 6.

For now, only nan Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra person received nan update, but nan pursuing devices are listed arsenic eligible and should person One UI 6 soon:

• Galaxy S21 bid and later
• Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3 and later
• Galaxy A04s, A13, A23, A33, A52, and A72 and later
• Galaxy M23, M33, and M53 and later
• Galaxy F14, F23, and F54
• Galaxy Xcover 6 Pro
• Galaxy Tab S8 and later

Users of compatible devices tin activate nan protection characteristic done Settings > Security and Privacy> Auto Blocker.

Users needing beardown information connected their mobile devices shouldn't solely trust connected built-in protection features but besides usage a third-party mobile information solution from a trustworthy vendor.