SAMSUNG owners have been warned their private pictures and videos could be accessed while in locked folders.
The phone maker’s Secure Folder feature lets users keep snaps, clips, files and apps hidden from other people.
Only photos and videos are at risk of being accessed outside the Secure Folder, according to Android Authority[/caption]
But one user on Reddit pointed out a flaw that allowed this secret content to be visible.
All pictures and videos inside a Secure Folder will be hidden even when opening the Android photo picker.
However, this is only the case when using an app from a ‘personal’ profile.
Should you switch onto a ‘work’ profile, then Android doesn’t block an app’s access to content within the Secure Folder.
Android Authority replicated this flaw in One UI 7 (Android 15) – the latest software update.
Only photos and videos are at risk of being accessed outside the Secure Folder, according to Android Authority.
The Reddit user wrote: “If you have a work profile enabled through something like Island or Shelter (or you know, you’re actual workplace), any apps in the work profile can access the entirety of photos and videos saved in secure folder without any restrictions whatsoever.”
The user claimed that they reported the flaw to Samsung.
Samsung declined to comment when approached by The Sun.
It’s unclear whether Samsung is working on an official patch.
But in the meantime, there is a way that users can ensure their locked images and videos stay hidden.
Encrypted the folder means it can’t be accessed outside the Secure Folder.
The Secure Folder isn’t encrypted by default, but you can opt to encrypt inside the app.
Simply open the app, tap the menu and select encrypt.
Doing so pauses the Secure Folder so its files can’t be accessed through the photo picker.
However, Android Authority reportedly uncovered a separate cyber gap that allows apps hidden inside Secure Folder to also be exposed.
To see this, go to Settings > Security and privacy > More privacy settings > Permission Manager.
Selecting one of the permissions in the list, like location for example, you may find apps from the Secure Folder listed there.
It’s important to note this flaw doesn’t exist with Android 15’s Private Space – Google’s version of Secure Folder.
Samsung charging tip – how to charge best
Here’s Samsung’s official advice…
To get the most out of your smartphone’s battery, you’ll need to charge it properly.
Most Smartphones have a lithium-ion battery that lives longer when charged regularly.
Unlike the nickel batteries used in older phones, lithium-ion batteries do best when kept above a 50 percent charge.
Repeatedly allowing the battery to drain fully may shorten its life and decrease its overall capacity.
If this happens, you’ll need to charge the battery more frequently and it may last only a few hours before needing a charge, for example.
Leaving the phone connected to the charger (when the phone is completely charged) while you are using it may lower battery life if you do it repeatedly.
