The upcoming flagship smartphone from Samsung will have increased security thanks to a separate location for storing sensitive data like passwords and private keys. In a press release Samsung claims that the chip in the upcoming Galaxy S20 protects users against fraud and cyber crime. This would for example keep data safe from hacks through SIM swapping.
In normal smartphones much of the sensitive data is stored on the typical mobile memory, like flash storage. This makes these phones vulnerable to hacks. Samsun's new Secure Element (SE) has a security chip and optimized software that guards private data within isolated storage.
This prevents a variety of attacks, including reverse-engineering, so-called laser attacks, replay attacks, and failed requests. Thanks to the security measures there's for example no use for hackers to impersonate Samsung smartphone hardware and its users. The secure element makes sure all passwords and private keys stay safe.
“Samsung has a long and proven history in security solutions such as smart card ICs, IoT processors and other semiconductor products that require robust security. Our new turnkey SE solution for mobile devices will not only keep user data safer on the go but also enable new mobile applications that will broaden and enrich our everyday lives”
Dongho Shin, senior vice president of System LSI marketing at Samsung Electronics
Samsung Galaxy S20
Samsung Galaxy S20 smartphone will also support cryptocurrencies. The newly announced smartphone has more advanced camera’s, supports 5G technology and is able to store crypto. This new smartphone will come in three versions, the S20, S20+ and S20 Ultra.
Samsung Blockchain Wallet
Samsung really embraced cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology with its Samsung Galaxy S10 and the Note 10. These devices had an integrated hardware wallet, called the Keystore. In addition users could download the Samsung Blockchain Wallet app to connect and gain access. This app also embraced blockchain gaming.
Samsung Blockchain Keystore is currently only available on the Samsung Galaxy S10 and the Samsung Galaxy Note 10. These devices allow consumers to store cryptocurrencies in a hardware wallet, while giving them access to decentralized apps on several blockchain networks. Right now these phones support Bitcoin, Ethereum, Klaytn and Tron.
Blockchain phones
Samsung has sold over 16 million units of the Galaxy S10. All these phones automatically have direct access to a bitcoin wallet. However, which percentage of the phone owners actually use their wallets is unknown.
Samsung is one of the biggest corporations making steps into blockchain and cryptocurrency. Blockchain is an inevitable step for the mobile phone industry. For example HTC has already released a smartphone with integrated cryptocurrency wallets, while startups like Pundi Labs and Sirin Labs have their own blockchain smartphones.
Posted from my blog: https://www.nederob.nl/2020/02/27/samsung-increases-security-in-galaxy-s20-smartphone/