Key Takeaways

Executive takeaways from the meeting notes on Samsung’s Zero Trust strategy for enterprise mobility

Executive summary
– Samsung is positioning Zero Trust as a core, endpoint-centric security framework for enterprise mobility, addressing the growing risk surface of mobile devices and BYOD in modern work environments.
– The approach emphasizes hardware-backed trust, continuous risk assessment, and real-time access control, integrated across devices, OS, and security interfaces.
– Strategic collaborations with Cisco and Microsoft enhance end-to-end protection and visibility across enterprise fleets.

Key takeaways
– Endpoint risk is the primary attack surface: IDC data cited (70% of breaches originate from endpoints), and mobile devices have limited visibility, necessitating a shift from network-centric to endpoint-centric protection.
– Zero Trust principles for endpoints:
– Never trust, always verify: devices must be verified before access.
– Continuous risk assessment and enforcement: context (location, time, device security) drives dynamic policy decisions.
– Restricted privileges and narrowly scoped access: real-time, context-based access control with minimal privilege.
– Integration of user identity, device security, and behavioral signals for granular trust decisions.
– Holistic, platform-wide security: Zero Trust is embedded from hardware to OS to security interface in Samsung Galaxy devices, enabling threat detection and rapid response within existing security ecosystems.
– Partnerships and integrations driving practical value:
– Cisco Secure Access integration (2024): secure, flexible employee access with user identity, device security, and context verification.
– Microsoft collaboration (2023): Knox integrated with Microsoft Intune (on-device, hardware-backed solution; default in Android App Protection Policies); Knox Asset Intelligence integrated with Microsoft Sentinel for centralized visibility and SIEM capabilities.
– Return on security and operations:
– Enhanced protection for mobile endpoints and more reliable responses to threats.
– Improved visibility into mobile threats via central monitoring and SOC integration.
– Support for remote work and BYOD, with solutions designed to fit existing enterprise infrastructures.
– Product and licensing nuances:
– Knox Vault availability may vary by model.
– Knox Asset Intelligence is a paid offering through Knox Suite plans.
– Call to action and next steps:
– Learn more at samsungknox.com.
– Continue and deepen partnerships with Cisco and Microsoft to extend Zero Trust across the fleet.
– Consider pilot programs to validate hardware-backed attestations, Intune/Sentinel integration, and SOC visibility in your environment.

Strategic implications
– This approach elevates mobile endpoints as a first-class element of enterprise security, reducing reliance on network perimeters alone.
– The emphasis on hardware-backed attestation and real-time context-based decisions aims to reduce breach surface area and improve incident response speed.
– The combination of Knox, Cisco, and Microsoft solutions aims to deliver centralized control and telemetry across diverse device fleets, including BYOD.

Operational takeaways
– For security teams: assess alignment with existing Zero Trust initiatives, plan for endpoint-centric policies, and leverage integrated telemetry via Knox Asset Intelligence and Sentinel.
– For IT and procurement: evaluate model compatibility with Knox Vault availability; assess licensing needs for Asset Intelligence and corresponding ROI.
– For program management: design a phased rollout starting with devices and policies supported by Knox, Intune, and Cisco Secure Access; define success metrics (e.g., time-to-detection, access denials based on risk, policy enforcement coverage).

Questions to consider (stakeholders)
– Which device models in our fleet offer Knox Vault features, and how does availability impact rollout plans?
– What is the proposed sequence for integrating Knox with Intune and Sentinel in our environment, and what dependencies exist?
– How will we measure impact (security metrics, user experience, administrative overhead) during a pilot?
– What are the licensing costs for Knox Asset Intelligence within our current security budget?

Recommended actions (short term)
– Initiate a pilot to evaluate Knox with Intune and Sentinel in a controlled subset of devices, focusing on hardware-backed attestation and context-based access decisions.
– Map current BYOD and corporate-owned device policies to the Zero Trust principles outlined, identifying gaps in visibility and enforcement.
– Engage with Samsung for a detailed roadmap on Vault availability for targeted device models in your fleet and discuss licensing for Asset Intelligence.

Sources referenced in the notes
– Zero Trust endpoint principles and Samsung’s implementation approach (Editorial content).
– Partnerships: Knox with Cisco Secure Access; Knox with Microsoft Intune; Knox Asset Intelligence and Microsoft Sentinel integration.
– Additional notes on Knox Vault availability and licensing considerations.
– For more information: samsungknox.com.

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Summary of [Editorial] Leading the Way in Enterprise Mobile Security: Samsung’s Zero Trust Strategy

 

Today’s world is full of unprecedented innovations and rapidly evolving technologies. It’s an era of endless possibilities, coupled with a new set of risks for security and privacy. At Samsung Electronics, we recognise that as we enter these uncharted territories, we must be prepared for the ever-changing security landscape and champion a dynamic approach to enterprise security.

 

The cybersecurity threats of today affect everyone, from consumers to businesses. Enterprise device fleets must be resilient— from suspicious URLs, insider employee threats and malware, to emerging risks associated with AI usage in the workplace, including sensitive data leaks. As a growing number of employees across industries — from corporate offices to the frontlines — use devices to access enterprise networks and resources, there are increased security risks that may also lead to a substantial financial toll on businesses.

 

Enterprise security incidents can arise across operations. However, the International Data Corporation (IDC)[1] found that an overwhelming 70 percent of successful breaches originate from endpoints — the devices that connect to networks like phones, laptops and tablets. Unfortunately, in today’s security operations landscape, IT administrators have much less visibility into mobile devices compared to PCs and servers. With mobile devices now being the most common method of employee network access, this has to change. A systematic, comprehensive approach is critical to ensuring seamless mobile capabilities and a enhanced way of protection. At Samsung, we’re setting a new standard for mobile enterprise security by committing to a collaborative Zero Trust strategy for endpoints in partnership with market leaders.

 

 

Core Principles for Endpoint Security

Samsung’s legacy of innovation is built upon our deep understanding of users. We’re constantly listening to feedback from consumers and businesses, anticipating the evolution of mobile technology. This is what enables us to develop industry-first solutions for consumers and businesses alike. As the Head of the Global Mobile B2B Team, I’m especially proud of how we’ve led the way in critical areas that deliver value to enterprises across the board. From advancing hardware-backed device attestation and threat detection to fully embracing the security principles, we are constantly striving to provide our customers with mobile devices and solutions that exceed their security requirements.

 

Zero Trust is a security framework that continuously assesses security, risk and trust levels based on context. The current security solutions market is dominated by network-centric Zero Trust solutions that focus on securing access at the network edge. Unfortunately, this approach by itself neglects a critical blind spot: the endpoint. Endpoints have the largest attack surface and are the most challenging IT assets to protect against cyberattacks. In most cases, they are the most vulnerable points in an organization’s IT ecosystem.

 

Zero Trust principles for endpoints, when realised correctly, ensure that access requests from endpoints are handled based on context that correlates with the device’s security and the user’s needs, and are continuously verified in real time. Although there is no definitive list of core principles behind Zero Trust endpoint protection, the following principles are the most commonly adopted:

 

• “Never trust, always verify” approach for devices: Devices should no longer be implicitly trusted just because they are within the network boundary. Instead, each device needs to be verified prior to being granted access.
• Continuous risk assessment and enforcement: Endpoint protection must be agile and ready to adapt to constantly changing risk conditions. This means continuously evaluating context — such as location, time of access and the device’s security— and adjusting security policies accordingly. Suspicious activity needs to be addressed through enforcement actions such as access restrictions or complete isolation.
• Restricted privileges and narrowly scoped access: Endpoints must enforce access control in real time based on context while ensuring privileges are granted dynamically with a narrow scope.
• Incorporation of user identity, device security and behavioral signals: A Zero Trust-compliant solution needs to make granular and informed trust decisions to enforce tight access controls. To enable such decisions, Zero Trust’s continuous evaluation of context integrates user identity, device security and behavioral signals.

 

While the Zero Trust security strategy is growing in adoption, Samsung is fully embracing it. By doing so, we are helping to protect the most vulnerable points in an organisation’s IT landscape. Risks related to endpoint security are constantly increasing as cloud-based applications, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs and remote work prevail in the modern workplace environment. Samsung recognises the critical nature of this problem and is proactively addressing it in collaboration with partners.

 

 

 

Innovation and Collaboration for Security at Every Level

How does this work in practice? From the hardware level and all the way to the operating system and security interface, Zero Trust security principles are built into the architecture of Samsung Galaxy devices, enhancing protection at every layer while intuitively integrating with a business’s existing security infrastructure. Together, these practices empower enterprises to administer security threat detection and provide  more reliable responses.

 

At Samsung, we recognise that security is a collective effort. It is only through open collaboration with partners that we can bring the most advanced solutions to our customers. In my time at Samsung, we’ve made extensive strides in bringing forth versatile, optimised and secure solutions[2] for enterprises of all kinds.

 

In 2024, we integrated Samsung Knox[3] — our multilayer security management platform — with Cisco Secure Access, an innovative Security Service Edge solution. This collaboration delivers a secure and flexible employee access experience, enabling organisations to verify user identity, device security and context before granting access.

 

We also have a strong partnership with Microsoft, defined by a shared vision of reimagining mobile device security for business customers. The first step of this strategic plan began in 2023, when we integrated Samsung Knox with Microsoft Intune, creating an on-device mobile hardware-backed device = solution that works equally well on both company and personal devices. This solution is now enabled by default in all new Android App Protection Policies, empowering organisations to bolster the security of all Samsung devices in their fleet. In yet another step forward in our partnership with Microsoft, Samsung offers a direct-to-security operations center (SOC) connector. This was achieved through the integration of Knox Asset Intelligence[4] and Microsoft Sentinel, a scalable, cloud-native security information and event management (SIEM) solution. This integration delivers unprecedented visibility into mobile security threats, providing centralised monitoring and protection across enterprise device fleets.

 

Working together with partners, Samsung is addressing key challenges in multiple areas — securing mobile devices, minimising damage from potential cyber threats and empowering employees to work efficiently and effectively, reducing concerns for security.

 

 

Holistic Security for Enhanced Privacy

We’re constantly innovating, refining and developing Samsung Knox solutions in order to bring our customers enhanced control, greater transparency and better protection against cyber threats.

 

By embodying Zero Trust as a core pillar of Samsung Knox, every measure is being taken to help secure mobile devices and data.

 

As threats become increasingly complex with AI and hyperconnectivity taking center stage, security and privacy are more important now than ever before. Today’s business landscape is constantly being threatened by an increasing volume of cyberattacks that aim to exploit IT vulnerabilities, with mobile devices and other endpoints quickly becoming prime targets.

 

That’s why Samsung is working with market-leading companies to provide security solutions that work seamlessly with existing infrastructure, offering increased end-to-end protection. These collaborative solutions are a testament to our commitment to not only adhere to industry standards but to also drive their continued development when it comes to Zero Trust endpoint security. This is just the beginning.

 

To learn more about Samsung Knox’s approach to mobile security, visit samsungknox.com.

 

[1] The Hacker News, “10 Critical Endpoint Security Tips You Should Know,” April 26, 2024 (reporting IDC data)

[2] Cisco Secure Access, Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Sentinel are third-party solutions and paid offerings.

[3] Samsung Knox Vault availability may vary by model including but not limited to Galaxy S Series, Galaxy A Series, Galaxy Tab S Series and more.

[4] Knox Asset Intelligence is a paid offering available through Knox Suite Plans.

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