Samsung blocks phones from installing certain apps in latest Galaxy shake-up

Samsung has upgraded its cybersecurity features, preventing users from downloading apps from unauthorised sources.

The technology giant’s new products automatically enable the Auto Blocker feature.

It comes as Google announced it will crack down on low-quality apps by deleting them next month.

Auto Blocker prevents users from downloading apps from unauthorised sources, such as those not found in the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store.

Users have repeatedly been warned about the dangers of downloading unauthorised apps, with some containing malware that can lock devices and bypass two-factor authentication.

A list of more than 20 apps designed for Android users known to contain malware was released earlier this year — including some that can register the device for premium services or subscriptions without consent, read your SMS messages and more.

Under Auto Blocker, users who attempt to install apps from unknown or unauthorised sources will receive a pop-up alert, and Auto Blocker will prevent them from continuing with the installation.

If an app you know is safe cannot be downloaded, Samsung suggested briefly disabling the Auto Blocker feature and attempting the download again.

Auto Blocker also prevents malicious chargers, computers, and other devices from sending commands to your phone when connected using a USB cable, and from installing any system software via USB cable.

“This prevents unauthorised access and manipulation of your device and data through USB commands (and) can stop someone with physical access to your phone from installing malicious software without your knowledge,” Samsung said.

The function also works to detect malware in images sent via text, so it can block them to protect users.

‘Maximum restrictions’ feature

The “maximum restrictions” feature takes things a step further, checking already installed apps for signs of malware and protecting users from sharing sensitive information or accepting invites from unknown senders.

This feature “prevents activation of device admin apps and work profiles to protect against potential malicious attacks”.

It also prevents automatic downloads of message attachments, though manual downloads are enabled from “trusted sources”.

Users are also protected from accidentally clicking on hyperlinks or viewing preview images under the maximum restrictions, to safeguard against malicious websites.

Users’ images will also no longer contain information about where they were taken when sent in a message under maximum restrictions.