Summary
- Samsung Secure Folder had a critical flaw leaking hidden information due to a loophole.
- Samsung is planning to fix the issue by adopting Google’s Private Space API.
- The fix may come with the release of One UI 8, but the timeline is uncertain.
With features like Knox, Samsung handsets have some of the most robust security systems among all Android flagships. The company has offered Secure Folder — a space for your private files and apps — since the days of the Galaxy S7, nearly a decade ago. However, recent changes to the feature have kept it from living up to its name, thanks to a loophole that can leak your hidden information. Thankfully, it looks like Samsung is working on a fix that could arrive with the next One UI release.
Related
I tried Android 15 Private Space and Samsung Secure Folder – Here’s my verdict
Can Google’s solution keep up with Secure Folder on Galaxy devices?
Back in February, it came to light that Secure Folder wasn’t keeping your private information quite as private as expected — especially because a work profile was involved. Samsung treats Secure Folder as a managed work profile, which means its data is merely kept separate from your personal profile. In certain scenarios, that setup left your photos, videos, apps, and files vulnerable to access. For instance, an employer could potentially see what’s inside the Secure Folder, or the Android permission manager might display the full list of apps it contains.
Twitter/X user @DevOfIpos shared a couple of screenshots (below) suggesting that Samsung could be planning to fix this critical flaw while taking a cue from Android 15 (via Android Authority). Google’s own take on Secure Folder, called Private Space in Android 15, avoids this issue by creating a true private profile, which the system treats differently from a typical work profile.
Source: @DevOfIpos
It now appears that Samsung will follow Google’s lead and adopt the new Private Space API for its own Secure Folder. What this means for you is that your content inside Secure Folder will actually be secure — isolated from the rest of the system — and won’t accidentally show up where it shouldn’t. You won’t even receive notifications from hidden apps when Secure Folder is locked.
When will Samsung fix the Secure Folder security flaw?
While it’s good news that Samsung is working to patch this vulnerability, the expected timeline is a bit disappointing. The leaker suggests that Samsung will roll out the fix only with the release of One UI 8. Although Android 16 is just around the corner, the next major One UI version could still be a long way off, especially considering how delayed One UI 7 was.
In the meantime, it may be wise to consider more secure ways to store your sensitive files and private media just to ensure nothing inadvertently ends up in the wrong hands.
