The Samsung Galaxy S23 and some older models are about to get a new suite of security features in the form of Auto Blocker, which is part of the new One UI 6 OS update.

While security improvements are a common part of software updates, the interesting thing about Auto Blocker is that it is entirely optional. This means that power users can leave the setting off and use their devices more freely, while less confident Galaxy phone owners can turn it on and feel more secure.

For example, one of the biggest additions to Auto Blocker is the ability to stop the installation of side-loading apps that download apps from outside the Google Play Store or Galaxy Store. However, this is disabled by default, so users who know what they are doing can sideload legitimate apps without Samsung's software sounding the alarm.

However, if you know you are not a likely user to install apps this way, it is worth turning off the ability to sideload. As Samsung points out, this is a solid defense against social engineering attacks (scams that try to gain your trust and then get you to install dodgy software).

Another part of the Auto Blocker toolkit is to prevent attacks via USB. For example, this can be a real risk when using a charging station in a public place, since one cannot be sure what is at the other end of the cable.

Samsung's Message Guard feature has also been updated to provide protection against zero click and direct image message attacks. Message Guard also now applies to Google Messages and Samsung Messages as well as third-party messaging services, so WhatsApp and Telegram users can get the same benefits.

One UI 6 is now accessible to European users on their Galaxy S23 devices and has begun to launch, while US users are still waiting for the OTA update to arrive. In the meantime, you can read about other changes to Android 14 on which One UI 6 is based, including new home and lock screen customization options and PIN security options.