Samsung explains how Passkeys will work on its products

The new trend in connected device security for 2023 and the new year are passkeys, also called access keys. In practice, you will start using biometric data or PINs instead of entering passwords on different websites. This brings greater security to everyday life and prevents your data from being shared with anyone.

For the year 2024, with the launch of One UI 6, Samsung prepares the implementation for your devices so that data is even more secure. We spoke with Shin Baik, principal engineer on the security team at Mobile eXperience Business from Samsung to find out how this will happen in practice. Check out all the details.

What are passkeys?

This is a form developed by Google and other companies like Apple  e ecosystem to prevent users from entering passwords on each of the websites they use on a daily basis. Instead of the traditional typing that we know, identity validation takes place, which can be a fingerprint or iris reading, facial recognition or PIN.

This confirmation always happens via smartphone, but if you are using a computer, just scan the QR code with your cell phone so that the access key is imported. The resource was developed so that the same “key” can be used in several operating systems, with all the companies that are part of the FIDO Alliance and W3C.

Usage on Samsung devices

The Knox da Samsung, which became more famous on smartphones, but also works on smart TVs, will gain a new layer called Knox Matrix, announced in May 2023. In practice, connected devices from the same home or network work to protect each other. The exchange of information is carried out in a secure environment and, every time passwords or personal information are requested, the system requires security identification to be carried out.

 Samsung has also developed new ways to manage and protect identities and credentials for a future hyperconnected world across multiple devices, in the form of passkeys: digital credentials that mark a significant step toward a passwordless future where passkeys replace traditional passwords and can be used as authentication for websites and applications.

Shin Baik, principal engineer on the security team at Mobile eXperience Business from Samsung

Shin highlighted that security keys will be implemented with the launch of One UI 6, based on Android 14. O Samsung Pass will be updated to use access keys as user authentication methods in various parts of everyday life: smartphones, websites and applications that require a login.

It can be said that, in a certain way, a functionality similar to access keys can already be seen on smartphones Galaxy. O Samsung Pass, which stores all user passwords, only releases automatic filling after authentication via fingerprint, iris scanning or typing is performed. The current “problem” is that passwords still need to be entered, but this will be a thing of the past with the implementation of access keys to the company’s system. Samsung.

In addition to the award-winning Samsung Knox security platform, Galaxy users also have the choice and transparency to access their security and privacy controls through the Security and Privacy Dashboard (in Settings). The Dashboard gives you access to App Protection (powered by McAfee), which will keep your phone safe from any malware.

Shin Baik, principal engineer on the security team at Mobile eXperience Business from Samsung

Benefits of Passkeys on Android

The Knox, implemented by Samsung for the first time in 2013, works as a true vault of users' personal information. One of the most practical examples is that of Safe paste, which stores photos, videos, applications and other files in a secure partition that can only be accessed through identity validation. As a new generation, the use of passkeys can bring:

• Faster Usage: Users can save time by typing their account username on the device, quickly selecting the account they want to log in to;

• Easier use: Once passkeys are registered, users can easily transfer data to a new connected device without the need to create new passkeys;

• Safer use: Passkeys only work on users' registered websites and apps, ensuring protection against phishing attacks from malicious websites or apps.

With One UI 6, passkeys can also be kept secure until specific conditions are met – for example, a PIN, password or lock screen pattern from a user's previous device is entered on their Samsung Galaxy smartphone . These updated security features in Knox Matrix will eliminate the need for users to remember current passwords or reset forgotten ones, providing convenience and greater security when sharing credentials between connected devices.

Shin Baik, principal engineer on the security team at Mobile eXperience Business from Samsung

Access keys will also be on connected home devices

The Knox it also works on connected devices and, in this case, the smart TV works as a security center so that all data is safe. With the launch of access keys, smartphones will be used as validation tokens and it will be necessary for identification to be carried out by the smartphone so that personal data can be entered on the smart TV.

The passkeys will also eventually work with Samsung TVs, Family Hub refrigerators, and other devices that don't have biometric sensors. Users will be able to log into apps and websites using their Galaxy devices' biometric sensors. This feature is also part of the FIDO standards and will be supported when a browser on these devices begins to support FIDO2 CTAP, which describes how the browser and connected device, for example. Galaxy device, communicate with each other via BLE, NFC and USB.

Shin Baik, principal engineer on the security team at Mobile eXperience Business from Samsung

As we already said in our article about the Using Knox in the Connected Home, currently the data is saved in a department that requires login via Samsung account. With the new feature, smartphones and tablets will be the gateway for passwords to be entered on the devices.

Are antiviruses necessary on Android smartphones?

Our conversation with the head of security at Samsung it ended with a question that, without a doubt, you still have many doubts about when trying to answer. But it's worth remembering that despite the many threats and fake applications that emerge, the Android It is still quite safe due to companies always sending security packages almost monthly. Shin Baik highlighted that in the case of smartphones Galaxy, Samsung devices are even safer due to the platform Knox.

At every layer of our Samsung Galaxy devices, our security features ensure confidential and sensitive data stays safe no matter where your life takes you. Your device is also protected from the inside out and in real time and this is protection you can be sure of.

Shin Baik, principal engineer on the security team at Mobile eXperience Business from Samsung

According to the executive's comparison, the Samsung Knox works similarly to Microsoft's Windows Defender: integrated into the operating system and always running in the background.

 Samsung Knox is also one of the most trusted security platforms in the world, with more government and industry certifications than any other mobile device, platform or solution on the market. A holistic approach is required to ensure users' information is protected at every level, from the chipset to the operating system, applications and networks, to provide true end-to-end protection across the entire Galaxy ecosystem.

Shin Baik, principal engineer on the security team at Mobile eXperience Business from Samsung

Do you use the Knox platform in your everyday life? Tell us Comment!

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reviewed by Glaucon Vital in 6 / 10 / 23.