Knox solution. Samsung's Android OS surprises, or how KNOX interferes with firmware lovers Active protection knox samsung

The Samsung company rightfully gained popularity among buyers with its quality products.

Mobile phones are no exception in this case. those who have already become the owner may have encountered an unfamiliar application, which is KNOX.

In this regard, a completely reasonable question could arise: Samsung KNOX what is it?

In this article, we will try to figure out what this application is, how it works and how, if necessary, you can disable it or completely remove it from your phone.

Content:

Purpose of Samsung KNOX

Mobile phones are devices that do not have one hundred percent protection against hacker attacks.

As a result, there is a great risk that your personal data may become the property of unauthorized people.

To a greater extent, this applies to corporate mobile subscribers.

Naturally, the priority is given to the issues of protection.

Samsung programmers have created a kind of add-on to the operating system, which allows you to provide the user's personal data with maximum protection. This program has combined several extensions created, and received the name KNOX.

The available extensions are designed to create a secure environment for the user by isolating a specific zone, and also to make the boot extremely safe.

In addition, the KNOX program uses a special method of data encryption, thereby increasing the degree of their safety.

During normal operation of this application, the user can be completely sure that his mobile device is not flooded with spyware, and is also well protected from network hacking.

What is KNOX?

In simple terms, KNOX is a kind of folder in which the user can place personal information.

All of this can be protected with passwords. As a result, he will have a specific application and an independent copy.

For example, if any social network is installed on your smartphone, you can place it in the KNOX folder. It will not only be independent of the one that is located on, but can also be registered under a different login.

The same can be done with other applications and log into them using different logins. To gain access to protected programs, you must enter a password or use.

It is worth noting the fact that Samsung's brainchild can monitor the state of the operating system kernel and its integrity, and the presence of the Time API allows you to get accurate information about the date, time and time zones.

KNOX, among other things, gives the user the ability to control applications for access to network resources.

This is implemented through the use of protected.

Using corporate mobile communications, you will protect confidential data from theft, as protection is built in all the main directions - network hacking, the introduction of spyware into the device, as well as the creation of a kind of "bookmarks" by modifying the system kernel. Even if your phone is stolen, attackers will not be able to copy your personal information.

What devices is the app compatible with?

This independent component can only work on Samsung devices with.

It is worth clarifying right away that it is not compatible with all devices of the company, but only with Samsung Galaxy S3 and higher.

Although it is quite possible to install it on earlier models of smartphones, however, this requires some knowledge and does not give any guarantee for the correct operation of the program.

The basis of the program is a kind of virtual system located inside the Android OS.

A secure working environment is created using special file system encryption.

It is simply impossible to access it outside of KNOX. However, the possibility of reading data outside this shell is not excluded.

Application operation

During its launch, the operating system kernel is checked for unauthorized access.

In fact, the presence of such a shell completely excludes the possibility of unauthorized persons to make changes to the OS for the subject.

In fact, this is how it happens. However, with a general positive trend, mention should be made of the disadvantage, even if not significant.

When the KNOX program is installed on the smartphone, the root access to the device does not work correctly.

However, not every owner of a Samsung mobile device is required to obtain these rights.

After the kernel check is over, the Knox program will control automatically launched applications.

This will forcefully terminate the activity of those who do not have user permission to work in the background.

Any application inside the secure shell is fully managed and monitored to exceed the available access level.

This feature prevents a program from accessing inappropriate functions.

Protecting corporate data from unauthorized copying is built on (virtual private networks) at a time when home and public networks are still unprotected.

disadvantages

And although the KNOX application protects the user's personal information, has a clear interface, blocks the mobile phone in case of loss, and also allows you to remotely search for it - occasionally complaints are received.

They concern, first of all, malfunctions and the appearance of warnings about the use of unlicensed software.

in order to get rid of the problem that has arisen, you will need to turn off notifications or directly "knox".

Disabling the KNOX app

After you turn it off, annoying notifications will no longer appear on the screen of the mobile device, although the application itself will not go anywhere.

If you decide to take such a step, use one of several possible options.

Option one

Activate the KNOX Disabler function. In order to take advantage of this you need to get.

After receiving them, download and install a small utility called Service Disabler on your phone.

Then you just need to launch this application and click on the corresponding button (the Disabler button).

Second option

In this case, you need the Android Terminal Emulator app.

After the application is installed - run it and enter in the following expression: "Supm disable com.sec. KNOX.seandroid ".

After confirming your actions, the operation of the "knox" application will be stopped.

In order to bring it back to life, you will have to re-enter the above expression, replacing the value from disable (disabled) with enable (enabled).

Third option

  • uninstall using Smart Manager.
  • In the first case, you need to find "knox" in the list of applications on your phone. Launch it and, entering the context menu, use the "Delete" item.

    At the initial stage of uninstallation, you will be asked to create a backup and enter your existing password.

    After the uninstallation is completed, the mobile device will automatically reboot.

    The second option is more suitable for owners.

    Find Smart Manager in the mobile device menu and open it. Go to the tab "Device Security" and select item "Active protection KNOX"... Follow the link that appears and click on "Remove My KNOX". After that, the application will be automatically deleted.

    Conclusion

    In this article, you learned what the Knox application is and what protection it can provide to the user.

    In addition, you have learned how to disable or completely remove this application from your device.

    It's also worth noting that Samsung is shutting down the My KNOX platform and will be replaced by the Secure Folder app.

    Video review on the topic samsung knox:

    Dear friends!

    This article not intendedrecommended for beginnerswho are just starting to master this OS. Rather, on the contrary, here we will talk about serious things that will be interesting and understandable only to those who upgrades firmware of my mobile devices and gained some experience and knowledge in this.

    It's about some unpleasant trends in the development of new OS versions Android 4.2 - 4.3 - 4.4 Jelly Bean and KitKat The main smartphone manufacturer on the market is Samsung. I faced these surprises in the latest OS version when trying to install Root access and upgrade Recovery mode in my new Samsung GALAXY S4 mini (I9190) smartphone, purchased in early December with OS 4.2.2 on board (firmware version I9190XXUAMF7).

    This article is actually warning topicswho is trying to update the latest OS versions without delving into the changes made.

    So, to the heart of the matter. It all started withthat soon after buying the device, I received an offer in my smartphone to update the firmware to a more recent one "over the air" (in OTA mode - On The Air). And, without any information, he agreed to this and updated it without any problems.

    Everything would be good and useful for some users of the device. And one could applaud.

    But it turned out that any modernization of the software system filling of the smartphone now leads to change the flagKNOXand this the change is already irreversible: by no means can it be returned back to the zero state (at least until the best minds have found a solution to this issue). Moreover, this was done by Samsung deliberately, and it seems, not only software, but also at the hardware level. View the state of the flag (some call it a counter) KNOXWARRANTY VOID can be on the boot screen (Odin mode). Its normal value is 0x0, modified by 0x1. If you do not have lines about KNOX there, then everything is in order for now and there is nothing to be afraid of: you still have an old bootloader.

    Thus, rash actions with the firmware can lead to the triggering of the flag, and this automatically means loss of product warranty (at least in Russia for sure).

    The second unpleasant moment is that lost the ability to rollback to the previous or even earlier firmware versions. After trying to do this, the smartphone refuses to boot. You can only return to this latest version (or to a more recent one, but only stock in the future) without triggering the counter.

    The same should probably be said about other firmwares of the latest generation 4.3 and 4.4, where this innovation from Samsung is also implemented. It turns out that this respected company is sliding towards the trends of Microsoft and Apple. The latter has always been known for tightly controlling everything that could lead to changes in its products, from non-opening computer cases to the impossibility of changing the software of its development by users. We were determined how to live and what to use. Not ourselves. Now the previously very democratic Samsung is beginning to do this.

    Detailed discussion of the issue raised in relation to the Android 4.3 firmware for the Galaxy S4.

    What's the conclusion?

    1. If you still have an old firmware version and an old bootloader (bootloader) and you do not have KNOX labels.

    If you want to change the firmware, you can sew, experiment, without fear. You can return everything to Official at any time!

    The main thing is NOT to sew a bootloader (aka bootloader, aka sboot.bin) from 4.3, which is stitched by default along with firmware 4.3 (and others similar to Knox)!

    2. If you, like me, have already had the carelessness of flashing a new firmware, including the bootloader with Knox. The options are:

    a) Do nothing and sit on the new firmware. Do not upgrade it and wait for new stock.

    b) Wait for the solution of the issue, how to change the bootloader and / or remove KNOX from it, or how to return the clicked counter back. There is no solution yet. You can wait a long time.

    c) Spit on the counter triggering, void the warranty and do whatever you want. But no guarantee of success due to the unpredictability of Knox's reaction. For example, he can block an attempt to install Root. Or show warning labels, etc.

    These are my warnings to you, dear lovers of experimenting. If you want to discuss the situation - there are comments. Write them.

    Good luck, until we meet again on the pages of the site.

    To keep abreast of new products on the site, recommend subscribing for the periodic weekly mailing list "Tales of the Old User" on the Subscribe.ru portal.


    In the descriptions of Samsung smartphones, there is often a mention of KNOX support. But sellers prefer not to describe extended information about what this function represents, confining themselves to one line. What is KNOX - this article will help you figure it out.

    What is KNOX

    KNOX is a specialized add-on for Android OS designed to significantly increase the level of information security on a Samsung mobile device. This system includes a set of extensions that allow you to create a secure environment on the platform from Google. Among them - a special isolated zone for executing programs, a 256-bit encryption mechanism and a secure download facility.

    In other words, KNOX is a protected folder where you can install applications, transfer any files and store them there under a separate password. An application installed in this folder becomes independent of the same application installed outside the folder. So the application of the messenger or social network located in the KNOX folder can be "logged in" under a different account. Thus, on one smartphone, you can have two Skype with different accounts. If you delete an application outside the KNOX folder, it will remain in the folder. Access to protected applications is possible only with a password or fingerprint.

    KNOX from Samsung also includes TIMA - an API that controls the state of the operating system kernel and its integrity. From the user's side, the add-on makes it possible to control the access of applications to network resources through a secure VPN connection.

    For users using Samsung smartphones in the corporate segment, this functionality provides a reliable mechanism to protect confidential data from leakage. It has protection mechanisms on all major fronts, preventing network hacking of a smartphone or tablet, installing spyware, modifying the system kernel to create "bookmarks", as well as basic file copying when a gadget falls into the hands of intruders.

    How KNOX works

    The KNOX complex is available on Samsung smartphones, starting with the Galaxy S3 model and newer. Theoretically, installation on other devices is possible, but officially no one guarantees this.

    The main element of KNOX is a kind of virtual Android system, located "inside" the main OS. It creates a completely sandboxed software environment with its own encrypted file system, which cannot be accessed without KNOX. At the same time, Samsung allows the ability to read data located outside this shell without leaving it.

    At the start of the system, the architecture integrity protection mechanism checks the OS kernel for the absence of unauthorized interventions. In theory, this excludes the possibility of Android modification by third parties to create "bookmarks". But this mechanism also has a disadvantage, which is the incorrect operation of root access (if the owner requires it).

    After checking the integrity of the kernel, a protected KNOX boot takes place, the mechanism of which controls the autorun. The main purpose of this function is to prevent the execution of tasks for which the user has not given permission to run in the background.

    Each application inside a KNOX container can be controlled by controlling the access level. This avoids cases when the program asks for permission to use functions that are not implemented in it.

    Support for virtual private networks (VPNs) means you don't have to worry about valuable corporate data being leaked when connected to unsecured public and home networks.

    Video review of the main features of KNOX

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    What are the sensors in smartphones

    Security, safety and confidentiality of user data are important attributes of the development of the IT industry. The digital market is literally flooded with software products that promise a high level of protection, blocking from intrusions by third parties, systematic control and monitoring of the system. One such product is kNOX mobile application from Samsungoffering the user the protection of his personal information, a secure boot function, kernel integrity control and many other benefits. In this article I will tell you what KNOX Samsung is, how to use this application, and how to remove Samsung KNOX from your device.

    What is KNOX?

    KNOX is positioned by Samsung as safe environment for applications installed on your phone. This environment is implemented as a software add-on over the Android OS, which allows you to create a kind of "closed area" on your phone (the so-called "KNOX container"), where you can place the files you need. Access to this area can be obtained only by entering the appropriate password (combination of numbers, fingerprint, and so on).

    The data in the mentioned container is usually encrypted using a 256-bit encryption mechanism. You can have two identical applications on your phone: one in an open area, the other in a closed Knox area, while deleting an open version of the application will not affect the functionality of the closed application.

    In addition to the "KNOX container" function, this application allows you to control the integrity of the system kernel and its bootloader, provides the function of secure OS boot ("Secure boot"), offers the possibility of obtaining FIPS-certified VPN client, allows you to remotely delete data from a lost smartphone and so on.

    For KNOX to work, you need a fairly modern gadget (from Galaxy S3 and newer). I also draw the attention of readers to the fact that Samsung KNOX refuses to work with rooted and custom firmware of smartphones. We have sorted out what this KNOX application is, now we will learn how to use the development from Samsung.

    How to work with KNOX Samsung

    To work with the Knox functionality, you need to install the Samsung My Knox application on your phone, available in the Play Market (on some Samsung gadgets, it is already preinstalled by the manufacturers themselves).

    After installing the application and passing the registration, the program will offer you to copy the applications you need to the KNOX protected area, in fact, creating their protected copies.

    Then you will need to set up the unlock method (password, pin code, pattern, fingerprint, two-step verification). After determining the blocking method, complete the “KNOX” setup.

    Launch the Samsung application on your desktop, go to its options and click "Block". Now, to access applications located in the KNOX container, you will need to enter the previously specified password.

    To add other applications to the KNOX container, you need to go to the settings of this application, and select the "Add application" option.

    If you want to transfer any random file to the KNOX container, you will need to perform a long press on this file in “My files”, select “Options” at the top, and “Transfer to KNOX” in them. Now, by running this application, you will find the specified file in its storage.

    What is KNOX and how to set it up [video]:

    How to Disable or Remove KNOX from Samsung

    Unfortunately, the work of KNOX Samsung is not always stable. The application regularly crashes, it sometimes crashes and bugs, which forces the user to think about how to remove knox or disable it.

    Before using the points below, please note that the KNOX functionality is quite often built into the operation of the system (especially when it is preinstalled by Samsung itself), and any attempts to remove it (disable it) sad consequences for your phone (up to the firmware rally, there have been such cases)... Therefore, you need to use the points below at your own peril and risk, taking into account all the possible results from such steps.

    1. Remove KNOX in a standard way. Start KNOX, open the menu and go to "KNOX Settings", in them tap on the "Delete KNOX" item. If during the uninstallation process the program asks to save a backup copy of the data, click on "Back up now", if necessary, enter your password. The KNOX application will be removed from your device;
    2. Usually, KNOX does not work on rooted devices. If you have an exception in the form of root rights on your phone, then install the special KNOX Disabler application, launch it, click on the "Disable" button, and the KNOX functionality will be disabled;
    3. The "Titanium Backup" program allows you to freeze the operation of this application (root-rights are also required). After launching "Titanium Backup", click the search icon and enter "Knox" there. The application will find several KNOX-relevant files. Mark them and click the Freeze button. Then restart your gadget;
    4. Use Android Terminal Emulator. Download and install Android Terminal Emulator, run the app, root it. In the emulator, type the command:

    su pm disable com.sec.knox.seandroid

    press enter and the "Knox" functionality will be disabled.

    Remove KNOX from your phone

    Conclusion

    In order to understand what this is KNOX from Samsung, it should be noted that this software is a software setting over the Android OS, which allows you to increase the level of security and privacy of the data on the phone. If this software was built into your gadget, and you decided to remove it, then take into account the possible negative consequences for the operation of the system, and act in accordance with the methods I listed above.

    I began to install the KNOX program on all my devices, which is designed to protect and save the personal data of users of Samsung android devices. On the one hand, this is very important, but on the other hand, it brings a lot of inconvenience to users, especially those who have received it on their Samsung. If you are one of them, then you must have seen this message:

    "The SuperSU app tried to access the system item on your device without permission. This attempt has been blocked. To improve security, you can remove apps downloaded from unauthorized sources."

    This means that Samsung KNOX blocks root rights, and therefore you cannot fully use them. There is only one way out: disable or remove KNOX from your device. This can be done in several ways, described below.

    How to remove knox on Samsung

    Method for those who do not have root rights:
    1. Find KNOX among your applications and launch.
    2. Press the context menu button and select the "Remove KNOX".
    3. In the process of uninstalling the application, when asked about creating a backup copy, answer "Make a backup now".
    4. If prompted to enter your password, enter.
    5. KNOX is removed.
    This method is suitable only for those who have an official firmware and have not rutted their device.

    How to disable knox on Samsung

    The easiest way to disable knox for root users is to install the app. Install -\u003e Run -\u003e Click Disable... This application works with almost all popular Samsung devices such as Galaxy S4, S5, Note, Mega, Tab and many others.

    You can also disable KNOX with. Install, run, provide root when prompted, enter command su pm disable com.sec.knox.seandroid, you can always turn knox back on by replacing in the command disable on enable.

    You can also disable knox using the application. Install and run the application. There is a search icon at the top, click, enter Knox in the search box. Titanium Backup will give you a list of the files found like this:

    com.sec.enterprise.knox.attestation
    KLMS Agent
    KNOX
    com.sec.knox.eventsmanager
    Knox Notification Manager
    KNOX Store

    Highlight everything and choose the freeze option. Reboot your Samsung. If later you don't notice any glitches on your device, these files can be deleted completely.

    Another way: Download and install a file manager

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