In today’s hyper-connected world, politicians, activists, lawyers, and journalists face relentless scrutiny.
Their every word, every message, every online footprint is dissected and sometimes weaponized by unseen adversaries. For these truth seekers and defenders of justice, their phones have transformed from mere devices into lifelines—buzzing with encrypted conversations and protected by layers of digital security.
Recently, Google issued a stark warning to Android users: beware of malicious apps, even some that appear in the official Google Play Store.
These apps have been linked to phishing attacks, aggressive ad spamming, and credential theft. The danger escalates when users sideload apps from unofficial sources, which are reportedly fifty times more likely to contain malware compared to those downloaded officially. This rising threat landscape demanded a stronger defense.
To counter these risks, Google introduced Advanced Protection Mode (APM), a powerful security feature designed to guard against phishing, fraudulent calls, unsafe websites, and unauthorized app installations. While this feature initially launched for Pixel phones, Samsung is now bringing it to its Galaxy lineup through the highly anticipated One UI 8 upgrade, based on Android 16.
Samsung’s implementation of APM goes beyond Google’s baseline protections.
With a single tap, users can activate a suite of safeguards that block app sideloading, disable USB data transfers, and even shut down vulnerable 2G network connections. Additionally, Samsung’s enhanced Secure Folder gains a “kill switch” feature, and its robust Knox ecosystem creates a secure, isolated environment—offering privacy protections reminiscent of Apple’s famed iPhone security features.
Galaxy phones and Apple’s iPhones have long been locked in a fierce rivalry, each borrowing a page from the other’s playbook as they race to craft some of the world’s most beloved and powerful smartphones. It’s a delicate dance of innovation and imitation—where inspiration meets competition in a battle for supremacy.
In this case, the evolution introduced to the Galaxy phones marks a significant step in closing the privacy and security gap between Samsung’s Android devices and iPhones.
While Apple’s Lockdown Mode focuses on protecting users from highly targeted attacks, Samsung’s Advanced Protection Mode upgrade provides broader protection aimed at all users against an ever-growing array of digital threats.
For those who live and work in ethically complex arenas—challenging authority, speaking truth to power—these security upgrades are not just conveniences but essential tools for survival.
Samsung’s One UI 8 promises to be more than a software update; it’s a commitment to safeguarding privacy and security in a digital world that’s increasingly hostile.
On top of that, Samsung also encourages users to activate its "latest anti-theft features to help tackle phone theft."
These new tools, introduced as part of the One UI 7 update, aim to safeguard users even in situations like theft or unauthorized access.
One of the standout features is Theft Detection Lock, which uses AI to recognize suspicious motion patterns such as snatching. When detected, the device automatically locks to prevent unauthorized use. Another important addition is the Offline Device Lock, which triggers a lock if the phone remains disconnected from the network for a prolonged period, ensuring protection even when offline.
Users also gain the ability to remotely lock their device by verifying their phone number, giving them control if the phone is lost or stolen. An extra layer of security is added through Identity Check, which requires biometric authentication before allowing changes to sensitive security settings, especially when the device is in an unfamiliar location. Moreover, the Security Delay feature activates a one-hour waiting period if someone tries to reset biometric data, giving the rightful owner time to lock the device remotely.
These features are currently available on a range of Galaxy models, including the S25 and S24 series, as well as the Z Fold6 and Z Flip6, with plans for wider rollout in the future. Samsung strongly advises users to enable these protections to keep their data secure and maintain control over their devices in critical situations.