Samsung to enable cyber safety features by default amid malicious app crackdown

A mobile phone giant has revealed its latest move on cyber security as experts raise alarm bells over a rise in malware attacks.

Mobile manufacturing giant Samsung will prevent users from downloading apps from unauthorised sources as part of a new suite of cyber safety features.

The South Korean tech company announced earlier this month it would ship its new mobile phones with the “AutoBlocker” automatically enabled.

It comes as Google announced it would be cracking down on low-quality apps that “offer no real value” or are unstable from August 31.

Samsung said the AutoBlocker, when enabled, provided “enhanced security” to its users, including by “blocking malicious activity”.

“Only apps from authorised sources, such as the Galaxy Store or Play Store, can be installed,” the tech and whitegoods giant said.

“If you attempt to install apps from unknown or unauthorised sources, you will receive a pop-up alert, and Auto Blocker will prevent you from continuing.”

If the application is ultimately determined to be safe, Samsung said users will be able to temporarily disable the AutoBlocker feature and attempt again.

Samsung's AutoBlocker feature will be automatically enabled. Picture: Samsung

The feature will also prevent commands by USB from “malicious chargers, computers” and will block images that may contain malware from messages.

The changes come amid a renewed focus on global cyber security following multiple high-profile attacks, including malicious, unauthorised apps.

In June, the AFP warned about a shocking rise in cyber criminals using remote access trojan viruses, or RATs, to covertly survey or steal data from their victims.

Once downloaded, the malware automatically installs onto the user’s device, allowing criminals access to their webcams, microphones, passwords, location data, and files.

In addition to blocking applications, the AutoBlocker feature will also allow users to enable a so-called “Maximum” restrictions feature for their personal devices.

The feature allows users to checked installed apps for malware, block auto-downloading attachments, block hyperlinks and previews, and shared albums.

Importantly, it also allows users to block location data when sharing pictures in Samsung Message or if it shared from Samsung’s propriety photo app.

AutoBlocker can be turned on and off in the phone settings and is set as on automatically for users of Samsung’s One UI 6 operating system.

Originally published as Samsung to enable cyber safety features by default amid malicious app crackdown