Samsung Mobile Press

UK Government Publishes Guidance on Using Samsung Devices with KNOX

May 15, 2014

Government guidance identifies best practice of Samsung KNOX running in Samsung Android 4.3 devices

14 MAY, 2014, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the UK Government has published End User Devices(EUD) Security Guidance for Samsung KNOX on using selected Samsung Android smartphones and tablets. The Platform Security Guidance followed months of rigorous testing by the Communications and Electronics Security Group (CESG), the body tasked with providing assistance to Government Departments on communications security, as part of the Cabinet Office End User Devices Program. UK public sector workers are now able to enjoy the enhanced performance and rich functionality of Samsung KNOX using wide range of smartphones and tablets.

Injong Rhee, Senior Vice President of KNOX Business, IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics, said: “Thanks in part to our industry leading security credentials, Samsung devices with KNOX are already extensively deployed globally across the private sector but now with this significant recognition, government agencies across the UK will be able to adopt Samsung KNOX enabled Galaxy smartphones and tablets setting the scene for other governments to follow. CESG's acknowledgment of Samsung KNOX is testament to the high standard of security offered by the Samsung KNOX platform and a further milestone as we work to grow our relationships with government organizations and large corporate enterprises worldwide.”

Graham Long, Vice President Enterprise Business Team, Samsung UK & Ireland, said: “Mobile device data security is a major focus for Samsung, and our KNOX technology provides a comprehensive solution for businesses and the public sector. We are pleased that our KNOX enabled devices have been cleared for use by the UK Government, and are confident given the period of intensive testing that the robust capabilities of KNOX act as a credible security solution for government agencies. Our technology is widely used in both the UK public and private sector, and with this approval we are committed to working more closely with government departments and agencies that need to maintain high levels of security and data confidentiality on their mobile devices.”

Samsung KNOX enabled smartphones currently available in the UK covered by the guidance from CESG include the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, the Samsung Galaxy S3, the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the Samsung Galaxy S5.

In addition to this new guidance on Samsung KNOX, CESG previously issued guidance for Samsung devices running Android 4.2.2. The US Department of Defense (DoD) and Defense Information Systems Agency published a Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) on Samsung KNOX in May 2013 which enabled its use for US DoD workers. In February 2014, Samsung Galaxy devices received the Mobile Device Fundamentals Protection Profile (MDFPP) Common Criteria (CC) Certification from the National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP). Samsung is also actively seeking certifications from other international government certification bodies for Samsung KNOX-enabled devices to be used in government networks worldwide.

Note to Editors
This EUD Security Guidance is about KNOX 1.0. The EUD Guidance for KNOX 2.0 is in progress for being published in the second half of 2014.

Further Information
For more information on Samsung Enterprise Mobility visit https://www.samsung.com/global/business/mobile

About Samsung KNOX
Samsung KNOX is an Android-based solution for government and enterprise, designed to enhance the security of Android-powered mobile devices. Launched in 2013, it provides a comprehensive set of tools to deliver safe and secure mobile working - by protecting Android handsets from data leakages, malware and malicious attacks.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of TVs, smartphones, tablets, PCs, cameras, home appliances, printers, LTE systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 286,000 people across 80 countries with annual sales of US$216.7 billion. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com