Samsung has introduced a new security feature called Message Guard that aims to protect its users from malware and spyware through zero-click attacks. Zero-click attacks are highly-targeted attacks that exploit unknown software flaws to trigger the execution of malicious code without requiring any user interaction. These attacks are a serious concern, as they can be used to deliver spyware capable of monitoring individuals and gathering sensitive information.
Message Guard aims to address this issue by "preemptively" securing users' devices by limiting exposure to invisible threats disguised as image attachments. The feature is currently available on Samsung Messages and Google Messages. It is limited to the Samsung Galaxy S23 series, with plans to expand to other Galaxy smartphones and tablets later this year. The feature will only be available on devices running on One UI 5.1 or higher.
Message Guard works against various image formats, including PNG, JPG/JPEG, GIF, ICO, WEBP, BMP, and WBMP. It essentially acts as a sandbox that isolates images received via the app from the rest of the operating system. The feature checks the file bit by bit and processes it in a controlled environment to ensure it cannot infect the rest of the device.
This security feature is similar to Apple's iMessage BlastDoor feature, which was introduced in iOS 14 to counter zero-click attacks via its messaging app. Apple also introduced an "extreme, optional protection" setting called Lockdown Mode that hardens iPhones and iPads against "extremely rare and highly sophisticated cyber attacks."
In conclusion, Samsung's Message Guard is a new security feature that aims to protect users from malware and spyware through zero-click attacks. The feature is currently available on Samsung Messages and Google Messages and will be expanded to other Galaxy smartphones and tablets later this year. This is a significant step towards preventing zero-click attacks, which can seriously affect users' privacy and security.
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