Samsung is bolstering security measures for its mobile devices with the upcoming One UI 8.5 update, responding to a global rise in mobile phone theft – especially in major cities like London. The update will expand the “Identity Check” feature, adding layers of protection against unauthorized access and data compromise should a device fall into the wrong hands. This latest effort signifies Samsung’s commitment to safeguarding user privacy and data in an increasingly connected world.
Samsung is preparing to test its upcoming One UI 8.5 update for smartphones and tablets. The release is expected to deliver a broad range of visual and functional improvements, but a significant enhancement revealed in a leaked beta version focuses on expanded theft protection features. The company is refining its “Identity Check” mechanism, which serves as a critical defense against unauthorized access if a device is lost, stolen, or compromised.
Enhanced Security for Mobile Devices
The “Identity Check” feature first appeared in Android earlier this year, and Samsung integrated it with the One UI 7 update. It requires users to verify their identity via fingerprint or facial recognition before making sensitive changes outside of trusted locations and usual user patterns.
With One UI 8.5, Samsung plans to broaden the scope of this protection to encompass additional settings and features that a thief might attempt to control immediately after gaining access to a device. According to the leaked beta, the updated “Identity Check” feature will cover the following elements:
- Preventing the transfer of a Samsung account via Smart Switch to a new device, which could grant the thief broader permissions.
- Blocking the disabling of the Auto Blocker feature, which is designed to prevent the installation of untrusted applications.
- Protecting access to the “Secure Folder” even if the thief knows the PIN or password.
- Preventing access to private albums expected to be added to the Gallery app for storing sensitive photos.
- Preventing changes to USB connection settings to block any attempts to extract data or gain backdoor access to the device.
These additions build upon existing protections, including PIN modification and changes to basic security settings – actions thieves typically attempt first. As mobile devices become increasingly central to our digital lives, these security enhancements are crucial for protecting personal data.
Samsung notes that users will still need to manually enable the “Identity Check” feature. It can be accessed through Settings, then “Security and Privacy,” selecting “Protect My Device,” tapping “Theft Protection,” and activating “Identity Check.” Users can also add “Safe Places,” such as their home, where biometric verification is not required for ease of use.
Release Timing
Samsung has not yet announced an official release date for One UI 8.5. However, technical reports suggest a beta program could begin in the coming weeks, particularly following reports showcasing the new update’s features and enhancements.
With this update, Samsung is demonstrating a clear focus on enhancing privacy and protecting devices from theft, positioning One UI 8.5 as a significant step in combating the growing global problem of mobile phone crime, particularly in areas like
the city of London, which has become a hotspot for phone theft by organized crime gangs.
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