Samsung is ramping up efforts to bolster IoT security with the extension of its Knox platform to AI-powered home appliances.
Knox Matrix, previously limited to mobile devices and TVs, will now encompass home appliances. This integrated protection system allows connected devices to monitor each other for security threats and alert users of any protective measures taken.
“As the connected ecosystem of AI home appliances expands, the importance of security is growing exponentially,” said Miyoung Yoo, EVP and Head of the Software Development Team, Digital Appliances Business at Samsung.
The South Korean tech giant is set to introduce mobile biometric authentication to its home appliances next year, eliminating the need for traditional login credentials and reducing the risk of password exposure.
Samsung Knox Matrix: Blockchain-powered security
At the heart of Samsung’s enhanced security strategy is Knox Matrix, a solution that leverages private blockchain technology to protect connected devices and networks.
Knox Matrix comprises three key components:
- Trust chain: Utilising blockchain technology, this feature enables connected devices to monitor each other for security threats and notify users of any protective actions taken.
- Cross platform: Ensures consistent security standards across connected devices, regardless of their operating systems or platforms.
- Credential sync: Employs end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to securely share and synchronise data between devices.
Samsung plans to roll out these features to major products, starting with refrigerators with AI Family Hub, in the coming year.
Passkeys for home appliances
To enhance user convenience and security, Samsung also announced passkey support for its AI-enabled home appliances. This digital credential, part of the Credential Sync feature, will allow users to log in to appliance apps and compatible websites using smartphone biometrics such as fingerprints.
Amid the increasing risk of password leaks in the age of ubiquitous apps and web services, passkeys help not only address this concern but also eliminates the hassle of remembering multiple passwords.
Samsung Knox Vault: Hardware-based security
Further bolstering its security offerings, Samsung plans to implement the Knox Vault hardware chip in its AI home appliances starting next year.
Knox Vault will store sensitive personal information – such as passwords and biometric data – separately from the main system, providing an additional layer of protection against both software and physical hacking attempts.
IoT security certifications
Samsung’s commitment to IoT security has not gone unnoticed. In February, the company’s Bespoke 4-Door Flex Refrigerator with AI Family Hub+ became the first home appliance globally to receive the highest Diamond rating in UL Solutions’ IoT Security Rating. This has since been replicated by four other Samsung products, including the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo and the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI.
The Diamond rating involves rigorous testing of hacking risks and security capabilities, including the detection of malicious software tampering, prevention of unauthorised access attempts, and anonymisation of user data.
Samsung conducts internal cyberattack simulations at least quarterly to verify the security of its AI home appliances. These hacking tests, performed by Samsung’s software developers, help identify vulnerabilities and drive the creation of security updates.
As the IoT ecosystem continues to face increasing threats, Samsung’s multi-faceted approach to security is welcome to enable safer connected homes.
(Image Credit: Samsung)
See also: Google continues to weave Thread into smart homes
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