Auto Blocker: Have you activated it on your Samsung smartphone?

With so many threats circulating, it is not easy to keep your data safe. Either messages arrive via WhatsApp or SMS or links appear that lead to fake sites. In practice, no one is safe, whether they use a computer or a smartphone. However, in the latter case, manufacturers have come up with interesting ways to protect users. Since One UI 6, Samsung has launched a function called Auto-Block which has become much better in the One UI 6.1.1 version.

Auto Blocker: Have you activated it on your Samsung smartphone?

This feature, as mentioned, has been available since One UI 6.0. It can be found under Settings, Security & Privacy and helps protect you from security threats and more.

When Auto-Block is turned on, One UI applies five changes designed to protect users from malware. These include blocking apps from unauthorized sources, enabling app security scans, blocking commands via USB cables, protecting messaging apps, and blocking software updates via USB cables.

But with the release of One UI 6.1.1, changes have been made that are worth highlighting, as mentioned on the site. AndroidAuthority.

Firstly, deactivating auto-blocking now requires authentication, whereas previously you just needed to press the “Stop” button when the warning dialog box appeared to deactivate it. Secondly, there are no longer buttons to individually disable the protection of messaging apps or the USB cable software update blocker. Finally, the app security check feature is no longer mandatory when auto-blocking is enabled. It is now part of the new “Maximum Restrictions” mode.

However, in the new “Extreme Restrictions” menu, there’s an option to activate the mode, which “provides very strong protection for people who need extra security.” Samsung warns that when this mode is activated, “some of your phone’s features will be restricted.” Restricted features include enabling device management apps, enabling work profiles, using shared albums, and sharing photos with location data.

On the support page, Samsung also lists two additional restrictions that apply when the “Maximum restrictions” option is enabled. These are blocking automatic downloading of message attachments and blocking hyperlinks or displaying preview images. The support page doesn’t mention which apps these restrictions apply to, but we assume they work in the Samsung Messages app.

Automatic blocker:

• Block apps from unauthorized sources: Apps can only be installed from authorized sources (Galaxy Store and Google Play Store).
• Block commands via USB cable: Chargers, computers, and other malicious devices will not be able to send commands to your phone when it is connected via USB cable.
• Block malware images in messaging apps: When you receive a message with an image that is suspected to contain malware, you block the image to keep yourself safe. As of October 2023, this feature is compatible with Google Messages, Samsung Messages, Messenger, Telegram, KakaoTalk, and WhatsApp.
• Block software updates via USB cable: Prevents system software from being installed via USB cable. This can prevent anyone with physical access to your phone from installing malware without your knowledge.

Maximum restrictions:

• Enable App Protection: Scans apps installed on your phone for any malicious activity.
• Block device management apps: Prevent device management apps and work profiles from being enabled on your phone.
• Block shared albums: The shared albums menu is off and others can't invite you to shared albums. This protects you from invitations from people who may not be who they say they are, and prevents you from accidentally sharing potentially sensitive photos.
• Remove location data when sharing photos: When you share a photo from your gallery, location data is removed from the photo before it is sent. This prevents the recipient from knowing where the photo was taken.
• Block automatic downloading of attachments: Prevents automatic downloading of message attachments to protect against malware, while allowing manual downloading from trusted sources.
• Block links and previews: Protects you from accidentally clicking on links or viewing preview images, keeping you safe from malicious websites.