Samsung is encouraging UK Galaxy users to activate the latest anti-theft protections as part of a broader initiative to address the recent surge in mobile phone theft across the country.
Highlights
- Samsung responds to rising theft: In partnership with the UK Home Office, Samsung is urging Galaxy users to activate new anti-theft tools launched in One UI 7.
- Mass awareness campaign launched: Over 40 million Samsung account holders are being targeted via in-app alerts, major transit hubs, and digital video ads, including London’s Piccadilly Lights.
- Expanded device coverage: Anti-Theft Suite now available on Galaxy S22–S24 series and Z Fold/Flip 5 and 6, with more models to follow in 2025.
- Key security features: Includes AI-powered Theft Detection Lock, Offline Lock for network loss, and Remote Lock using just a phone number and verification.
- New tools for enhanced protection: “Identity Check” adds biometric verification for sensitive changes, while “Security Delay” slows down unauthorized resets.
- Knox Matrix debuts: Samsung’s blockchain-based system offers centralized security for the full ecosystem—phones, TVs, appliances, and more.
- Backed by UK authorities: Samsung is actively supporting government-led initiatives and participated in the Mobile Phone Theft Summit with the Mayor’s Office and police officials.
- Rollout via One UI 7 beta: Currently live for UK Galaxy S24 users, with final rollout expected in early 2025 based on user feedback.
- Strategic pivot to smart protection: These updates reflect Samsung’s AI-first security philosophy: real-time behavior detection, local intelligence, and user privacy at the core.
The announcement aligns with a new UK Home Office campaign targeting smartphone-related crime and follows Samsung’s ongoing efforts to enhance user safety through technology.
Nationwide Awareness Campaign
To raise awareness, Samsung has launched a large-scale outreach campaign targeting more than 40 million Samsung account holders in the UK.
Notifications have been delivered via the Samsung Members platform, while offline efforts include high-profile placements such as London’s Piccadilly Lights, major train and Underground stations, and digital media formats like Connected TV (CTV), broadcaster video-on-demand (BVOD), and online video ads.
Rollout of Enhanced Anti-Theft Suite via One UI 7
The centerpiece of Samsung’s initiative is the expansion of its Anti-Theft Suite in One UI 7, now available on a wider range of Galaxy devices. Initially exclusive to the Galaxy S25 series, the security features are now accessible on:
- Galaxy S24, S23, and S22 series
- Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, Z Fold 5, and Z Flip 5
Additional models are expected to receive the update later in 2025.
Features of the Anti-Theft Suite
The latest update combines both existing tools and newly introduced capabilities, focusing on proactive protection in high-risk scenarios:
1. Theft Detection Lock
Uses AI-powered motion detection to identify suspicious movements—such as sudden snatching—and instantly locks the screen.
2. Offline Device Lock
Automatically secures the device if it becomes disconnected from the network for a prolonged period.
3. Remote Lock
Enables users to remotely lock their device using their phone number and a simple verification process.
New Security Enhancements
Two new features introduced in One UI 7 further strengthen theft prevention.
Identity Check
This opt-in feature requires biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition) before changes can be made to sensitive security settings, particularly when the device is in an unfamiliar location.
Security Delay
In the event of a biometric reset attempt, a mandatory one-hour delay is enforced before any change is allowed. This delay offers a critical window for users to remotely secure their devices before unauthorized access can occur.
Collaboration with UK Authorities
Samsung has actively participated in government-led efforts to address phone theft. The company has collaborated with the UK Home Office, the Mayor’s Office, and the Metropolitan Police.
During the recent Mobile Phone Theft Summit, Aleyne Johnson, Samsung’s Director of Government and External Relations, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to public safety and support for national anti-theft initiatives.
Knox Matrix
Also debuting with One UI 7 is Knox Matrix, Samsung’s blockchain-based device security system. Knox Matrix enables users to monitor the safety of their entire connected ecosystem—including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and appliances—through a centralized security dashboard.
