Harden Your Basic Security Settings
Strengthening the foundational security settings on your Galaxy phone is the first line of defence against unauthorised access. These adjustments help protect your personal data from common threats.
- Set up a strong screen lock: Go to
Settings > Lock screen > Screen lock typeand choose a complex PIN, password, or pattern. Avoid easily guessable combinations. - Enable biometric security: Under
Settings > Security and privacy > Biometrics, register your fingerprints and/or face for quick and secure unlocking. - Review app permissions: Regularly check which permissions your apps have by going to
Settings > Security and privacy > Permission manager. Revoke any unnecessary access. - Keep your software updated: Ensure your phone's operating system and apps are always on the latest version. Go to
Settings > Software update > Download and installto check for updates.
Tip
A strong screen lock is your first and most important barrier. Make it unique and memorable, but not easy to guess.
Enhance Privacy with Secure Folder
Secure Folder creates a private, encrypted space on your Galaxy phone for your sensitive apps and data, entirely separate from your main device. It's ideal for keeping confidential information truly private.
- Set up Secure Folder: Navigate to
Settings > Security and privacy > Secure Folder. Follow the prompts to create your Secure Folder and set a separate lock type. - Add apps and files: Inside Secure Folder, tap the
+icon to add apps or files from your main phone, or to download new ones directly into the secure space. - Hide Secure Folder: For extra discretion, you can hide the Secure Folder icon from your app screen. In Secure Folder settings, toggle off
Add Secure Folder to Apps screen.
Good to know
Secure Folder is built on Samsung Knox, providing a robust layer of protection. Use it for your banking apps, private photos, and sensitive documents.
Leverage Samsung Knox for Robust Protection
Samsung Knox is a multi-layered security platform built into your Galaxy device from the chip up, offering real-time protection against malware and malicious threats. It's the core of your phone's security.
- Understand Knox: Knox operates in the background, constantly monitoring and protecting your device. There aren't many user-facing settings, but knowing it's there provides peace of mind.
- Check device integrity: While not a direct setting, you can indirectly verify Knox's health by ensuring your device hasn't been rooted or tampered with, as this would trip Knox fuses.
- Stay informed: Trust that Knox is working to secure your data. Familiarise yourself with Samsung's security whitepapers for a deeper understanding of its capabilities.
Important
Attempting to 'root' or modify your phone's operating system bypasses Knox's security, making your device highly vulnerable and voiding your warranty.
Prepare for Loss with Find My Mobile
Losing your phone can be stressful, but Samsung's Find My Mobile service provides powerful tools to locate, lock, and even wipe your device remotely, helping to protect your data.
- Ensure it's enabled: Go to
Settings > Security and privacy > Find My Mobileand make sure the feature is turned on. Also, enableAllow this phone to be foundandOffline finding. - Verify your Samsung Account: Ensure you are signed into your Samsung Account on your phone. You can check this under
Settings > Accounts and backup > Accounts > Samsung account. - Familiarise yourself with the website: Visit
account.samsung.com/findMyMobileon a computer or another device. Log in with your Samsung Account to see the options available for locating and managing your lost phone. - Enable Send last location: Under
Settings > Security and privacy > Find My Mobile, activateSend last location. This sends your phone's last known location to the server before the battery runs out.
Tip
Regularly test Find My Mobile's functionality to ensure you can locate your phone if it ever goes missing. Knowing it works provides immense peace of mind.
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JD
Written by
Jordan DicksonFounder, CyberSecurityGuides
Founder of CyberSecurityGuides, writing practical, jargon-free guides that help everyday people recover from and protect against online attacks.
Reviewed by CSG Security Engineers