Samsung Electronics is elevating security with Samsung Knox, its proprietary platform designed to protect AI home appliances and other solutions. The company’s goal is to enhance the security of individual devices and their connections, offering users peace of mind when utilizing AI-powered home appliances.
At the Samsung Developer Conference 2024 (SDC24), Samsung revealed plans to expand Knox Matrix from mobile devices and TVs to home appliances, building on the growth of Samsung Knox. Knox Matrix delivers integrated protection for interconnected devices, enabling them to monitor each other for security threats and alert users about preventive measures.
Additionally, Samsung intends to launch mobile biometric authentication for its home appliances next year. This advancement will eliminate the necessity of entering IDs and passwords, thereby protecting login information from potential exposure.
Identifying Security Threats and Alerting Users
All Samsung smart home appliances are protected by Samsung Knox, a comprehensive multi-layered security platform designed to safeguard users’ data from external threats, including malware. Recognizing the importance of a secure environment for interconnected devices, Samsung aims to enhance user experience and protect against data exposure in the era of AI home appliances, thanks to strong connectivity.
Knox Matrix serves as a security solution that offers thorough protection for connected devices and networks through the use of private blockchain technology. The system includes Trust Chain, Cross Platform, and Credential Sync components.
Based on blockchain technology, Trust Chain enables connected devices to monitor one another for security threats and alerts users to threat-blocking measures if any security issues arise. Cross Platform guarantees that consistent security standards are upheld across connected devices, even when they operate on different operating systems (OS) and platforms. Credential Sync encrypts data exchanged between devices and synchronizes credentials to maintain security.
First introduced in the 2024 Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator with AI Family Hub™, Credential Sync utilizes end-to-end encryption (E2EE) technology to securely share data between devices on the server. This feature allows for safe information sharing between connected devices, and it ensures that existing user data can be restored when a new product is purchased.
Samsung plans to extend the application of Knox Matrix’s Trust Chain, Cross Platform, and Credential Sync to major products, including the refrigerator with AI Family Hub™, starting next year.
Introducing Biometric Authentication
At SDC24, Samsung also announced that Passkey will be rolled out next year for the refrigerator with AI Family Hub™ and home appliances featuring the 7-inch AI Home LCD screen. Part of Credential Sync, Passkey is a digital credential that enables users to log into home appliance apps and websites using biometrics, such as fingerprints on their smartphones.
As the use of apps and web services increases, the risk of password leaks also grows. Passkey addresses this concern and removes the hassle of remembering multiple passwords for different logins.
Moreover, Samsung plans to implement Knox Vault in its AI home appliances starting next year to enhance hardware-based security. Appliances equipped with Knox Vault will store sensitive personal information, such as passwords and biometric data, on a separate hardware security chip, protecting this information from OS-based security vulnerabilities or physical attacks.
Expanding Recognition From Top-Tier Organizations
Samsung is dedicated to enhancing the reliability of its AI home appliances by broadening security verification from accredited organizations. In February, the Bespoke 4-Door Flex™ Refrigerator with AI Family Hub™+ became the first in the global home appliance industry to achieve the highest rating of Diamond in the IoT Security Rating conducted by the leading certification firm UL Solutions. Currently, five products, including the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™ and the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo™ AI, have received the same accolade, setting a new industry record.
UL Solutions’ IoT Security Rating employs a five-level rating system that assesses hacking risks and the security features of smart home devices through rigorous testing. To achieve the Diamond rating, appliances must successfully complete stringent evaluations, which include detecting malware tampering, preventing unauthorized access attempts, and anonymizing user data. Samsung intends to extend the Diamond certification to a broader range of its AI home appliances.
Moreover, Samsung performs internal cyberattack simulations at least quarterly to ensure the security of its AI home devices. The company’s software developers conduct these hacking tests on products and services to uncover vulnerabilities and create updates to address any identified security issues.
“As the network of AI home appliances continues to grow, the importance of security is increasing significantly,” stated Miyoung Yoo, EVP and Head of the Software Development Team in the Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung will persist in developing security solutions and obtaining new certifications to guarantee that users can feel secure while using AI home appliances and services within Samsung’s ecosystem.”