From PC Mag: Android enthusiasts will tell you that a major benefit of the mobile OS over Apple's iOS is the ability to sideload apps that aren't in the official Google Play store. That flexibility comes with some security risks, however, so Samsung will make the process a little harder on its newer phones.
With its One UI 6.1.1 update, Samsung will turn its Auto Blocker feature on by default. "Auto Blocker protects your Galaxy device and data by preventing the installation of applications from unauthorized sources and blocking malicious activity," the company says.
First introduced last year with One UI 6, Auto Blocker was initially opt-in but will now be opt-out.
As Android Authority notes, only two phones currently come pre-loaded with One UI 6.1.1: the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the Galaxy Z Fold 6. That list will likely grow, but according to Samsung, devices upgrading from an older version of One UI to version 6.1.1 will have their existing settings preserved, meaning they'll still have to opt-in to Auto Blocker for now.
To opt out of Auto Blocker on newer Galaxy phones, go to Settings > Security and Privacy> Auto Blocker. Once disabled, sideloading on the phone will work as normal once again. Users will still have to contend with Android's native sideloading protections, which include granting sideloading permissions to whichever app is attempting to do the sideloading.
View: Full Article
