As reported by TechRadar, Samsung has developed a new secure element (SE) chip and enhanced security software to better protect sensitive data on mobile devices. The new chip, dubbed S3FV9RR, offers protection for booting, isolated storage, mobile payments and other applications. It has also received a Common Criteria Evaluation Assurance Level (CC EAL) of 6+ and this is the highest level ever acquired by a mobile component from Common Criteria which certifies the security level of IT products from EAL0 to EAL7.
Mobile security has been in need of a facelift for some time, and this looks set to be the hardware that could just do it. Its versatility, working independently from the device’s main processor, will retain the device’s power yet also bolt on further security enhancements. Being able to include e-passports and cryptocurrency wallets also highlights that this is the start of the next technology chapter.
However, to really jump into the future, with our phones being more important than ever, consumers must be educated on the importance of personal security too. There is no point in making devices this secure when they can be circumnavigated by human error, with poor passwords or pin codes for example. When users are offered hardware or software security for their phones, they still tend to opt for the most convenient route to make their life easy.