Samsung Secure Folder: All the New Features in One UI 8

Samsung's Secure Folder has long been a trusted solution for users seeking a private, encrypted space on their Galaxy devices. With the rollout of One UI 8, Samsung has introduced a suite of significant upgrades designed to enhance privacy, security, and user control. This article explores the latest features, how they work, and what they mean for your digital privacy.

1. Enhanced Biometric Security

One of the most notable improvements in One UI 8 is the ability to register separate fingerprints exclusively for Secure Folder access. Previously, Secure Folder relied on the same biometrics used for your device lock screen, potentially allowing other registered users (such as family members) unintended access to your private files.

Now, you can assign a unique fingerprint for Secure Folder, ensuring only you can unlock it—even if others have access to your phone. This upgrade aligns with best practices recommended by government cybersecurity agencies for multi-user devices.

2. Hide Duplicate Apps for Seamless Privacy

Secure Folder allows you to create second instances of apps, letting you run the same app in both your main environment and the secure space. With One UI 8, Samsung introduces a feature to hide the original app icon from your app drawer, ensuring that only the Secure Folder version is visible.

This not only declutters your app drawer but also prevents confusion and enhances privacy. For example, you can have a separate WhatsApp or banking app inside Secure Folder, hidden from prying eyes.

"The ability to hide app instances is a major step forward for users who need to separate work and personal data on the same device." — Android Security Team

3. The New 'Hide Secure Folder' Kill Switch

Privacy-conscious users will appreciate the new Hide Secure Folder option. This acts as a digital "kill switch," removing the Secure Folder icon from your device and disabling all notifications and access to its contents. All data within remains encrypted and inaccessible until you manually unhide the folder.

To restore access, simply use the Secure Folder button in the Quick Panel. This feature is especially useful for travelers, professionals, or anyone who may need to temporarily conceal sensitive data.

4. Improved Notification Management

With the Secure Folder hidden, notifications from apps inside it are also silenced and hidden. This prevents sensitive information from appearing on your lock screen or notification shade, a common privacy concern highlighted in privacy advocacy reports.

5. Updated Encryption Standards

One UI 8 brings updated encryption protocols to Secure Folder, leveraging the latest NIST-recommended standards for data protection. This ensures that even if your device is lost or stolen, files and apps within Secure Folder remain protected against unauthorized access.

6. Why These Changes Matter: Statistics & Analysis

According to a 2024 Statista report, over 30% of mobile data breaches are linked to inadequate app and file isolation. Samsung's improvements directly address these vulnerabilities by offering more granular biometric controls and enhanced app sandboxing.

Additionally, a survey by the GSMA found that 62% of users are concerned about family or friends accessing private content on shared devices. Secure Folder's new features provide practical solutions to these real-world concerns.

Conclusion

Samsung's Secure Folder in One UI 8 is more than just a vault—it's a comprehensive privacy toolkit. With separate biometrics, hidden app instances, a powerful kill switch, and industry-leading encryption, users can confidently protect their most sensitive data. As mobile privacy becomes increasingly important, these upgrades set a new standard for Android device security.