Security has become one of the major factors in online usage of all hardware that can access the Internet. For years manufacturers typically had to rely on Operating Systems to supply the needed security for the devices they made. Samsung knew that security was a priority for many and decided to take a chance and develop a platform that would provide a more secure environment for users.
They have reaped the benefits and have announced that they are now approved by the United States Government to be the first consumer based mobile devices that are NIAP-validated to handle all classified information. The approved KNOX devices are the Galaxy S4, Galaxy S5, Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 Edition), Galaxy Note Edge, Galaxy Alpha, Galaxy Tab S 8.4, Galaxy Tab S 10.5 and the Galaxy IPSEC Virtual Private Network (VPN) Client to the Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) Program Component List.
This is a result of Samsung’s determination and successful completion of the U.S. government’s Common Criteria Mobile Device Fundamental Protection Profile (MDFPP) and VPN Protection Profile (VPNPP) programs. “The inclusion of Samsung mobile devices on the CSfC list proves the unmatched security of Samsung Galaxy devices supported by the KNOX platform,” said JK Shin, CEO and president of IT and mobile business, Samsung Electronics. “At Samsung, we continue to address today’s increasingly complex security challenges, and are committed to delivering the most reliable mobile platform satisfying the needs of professionals in all industries, from SMBs and enterprises to governments and additional regulated markets.”
Samsung saw that Blackberry had the enterprise space locked down for businesses that were worried about security. The iPhone was getting some entry into businesses but many were still relying on the Blackberry based on the safe history and security of the device. Samsung began developing KNOX to make an environment that acts as a “container system” that will separate business and personal sides of the device. KNOX does this by using an extra layer of AES 256-bit encryption. Samsung even started to tout that it was capable for government agencies, even the defense department with all their security needs being met.
In July 2013 we posted that the FBI might be looking at replacing the Blackberry with Galaxy devices. When the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 was announced, KNOX was starting to be taken more serious as a contender in the enterprise security world.
The list of approved devices can be found here.