Issue: Removal of "Auto-lock on exit" / "Lock immediately" setting. Device: Samsung Galaxy S24 Series Software Version: One UI 8.0 / 8.1
Description of Problem: In the latest software update, Samsung has removed the critical security feature that allowed the Secure Folder to lock immediately upon exiting the app or switching to another task. The only current options are "When the screen turns off" or a time-based delay.
Security Risk Assessment:
Unauthorized Access: If a user navigates away from the Secure Folder to a different app (e.g., answering a call or checking a message), the Secure Folder remains wide open in the background.
Privacy Failure: If the phone is handed to another person while unlocked, they have full, unrestricted access to the Secure Folder content without a password prompt.
Defeats Purpose: A "Secure" folder that relies on the user remembering to manually tap "Lock and Exit" or waiting for a screen timeout is fundamentally insecure and fails the "Knox" security promise.
User Impact & Action Taken: Because this update prioritises "convenience" over actual data protection, the Secure Folder is no longer fit for purpose. Due to these security reasons, I have been forced to ditch Secure Folder entirely and switch to third-party encrypted vault applications that actually provide instant-lock security.
Requested Solution: Restore the "Lock immediately upon leaving app" toggle. Security should never be sacrificed for "smooth multitasking" without giving the user the choice to opt-in.
Atleast that is better than 3rd party so called encrypted vault applications. Secure folder is protected by knox. And you can just hide the secure folder from a single click in quick panel, which would make it secure again cause the one you are handing over your phone to will need password to access it, much more better than a 3rd party vault which only can be accessed in file manager and reset in settings app.
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