• Some Samsung Galaxy devices have security vulnerabilities that can be used to access content in Secure Folder.
• Components designed by Google in Android lack adequate protection for protecting legacy "working" profiles.
• With the introduction of One UI 8, Samsung reclassified Secure Folder as a "private" profile for enhanced security.

You might take it for granted that the apps and photos in the "Secure Folder" (emphasizing Secure ) in the Galaxy phone are safe. However, a hidden small vulnerability allows anyone with physical contact with your device to snoop your hidden content. Samsung finally solved this issue with the One UI 8 update.

When Samsung first launched the Secure Folder in 2017, the Android system itself was not ready for such features. Therefore, it had to rely on the existing "working profile" framework. While this is feasible on a basic level, it also raises a considerable problem. Some core system components mistakenly recognize Secure Folder as a normal "working profile". These components are not designed for the high levels of privacy and security expected by Secure Folder. This means that Secure Folder's content can be easily accessed from some apps, as shown in the video below.

The key lies in core Android components such as Photo Picker and Permission Controller. These components are controlled by Google, not Samsung. Google designed them to identify and hide content from Android 15's new "Private Space" feature. But they are not designed to provide the same level of protection for older versions of "work profiles". This allows attackers to exploit these profiles, leak photos you should have hidden, and even list the apps you installed in Secure Folder.

Related##### How to make Samsung's Secure Folder safer

The Secure Folder app on Samsung phones is a great tool to protect private photos, files and app data. However, there are some ways to further enhance its security and reduce the possibility that others will accidentally discover sensitive information.

Post Fortunately, Samsung has made a major tweak with the release of One UI 8. It reclassifies Secure Folder as a "private" configuration file. This seemingly minor change makes a huge difference, ensuring that Google's Photo Picker and Permission Controller correctly recognize Secure Folder as protected space, thus truly protecting your files and application information.

But it should be noted that this protection is only effective if you completely hide the Secure Folder, not just turning it off. Hide this folder is not just about removing the icon from the app drawer, it also encrypts everything inside, preventing the app from running and preventing any notifications from leaking information. The operation method is to go to Settings > Biometrics and Security > Secure Folder and turn off the "Show icon on Apps screen" option.

The fix was launched last week on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE. It is expected to be gradually promoted to the Galaxy S25 series and other older models in the coming weeks.

##### Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE

brand

Samsung

Display

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Samsung's most affordable folding device brings the Flip series experience to more users. However, due to the lower-end materials and Exynos chips, its current price still seems to be relatively high.

Memory

8GB

storage

128GB or 256GB

Battery

4,000mAh Dual Battery

operating system

Android 16

Front camera

10MP

color

Black, white

Display type

Super AMOLED

weight

187g

Dust and waterproof grade

IP48

Wide-angle camera

50MP; 12MP ultra wide angle

Price on Samsung's official website is $ 900

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