Samsung aware of lock screen security issues, working on a fix

The past few weeks have seen some prominent lock screen security issues come to light on certain Android 4.1-based Samsung phones, including the Galaxy Note 2. Most recently, blogger Terence Eden was able to completely bypass the Note 2's lock screen security by cleverly utilizing a vulnerability in the way Samsung's TouchWiz software exits out of certain emergency dialer menus.

This morning Samsung has confirmed to Android Central that it's aware of the issue and working on a fix. Here's the manufacturer's statement in full --

"Samsung considers user privacy and the security of user data its top priority.We are aware of this issue and will release a fix at the earliest possibility."

As we mentioned in yesterday's post, using this technique to bypass a phone's security in the real world would be tricky and time-consuming process, so we're not losing any sleep just yet. Nevertheless, it's good to see that a fix is indeed on the way.

Alex Dobie
Executive Editor

Alex was with Android Central for over a decade, producing written and video content for the site, and served as global Executive Editor from 2016 to 2022.

7 Comments
  • "Samsung considers user privacy and the security of user data its top priority. We are aware of this issue and will release a fix at the earliest possibility." That better be sooner rather then later. Not that it bothers me...nobody is brave enough to steal my phone or attempt to bypass my lock screen...PIMP SLAP!
  • Devices like this one are expected to be absolutely free of such bugs/issues. Hope they fix it soon.
  • What planet do you live on, all, and I mean all computer have certain security bugs that constantly are being patched.
  • Alex, you didn't need to contact Samsung to know they were aware of it. Terrence said on his original post that he told Samsung of the issue last month. He also offered to hold off publicising it until they fixed it, which they declined.
  • At first I was upset about the whole lockscreen issues but then I remembered I use swipe to unlock.
  • Until Samsung comes up with an update,download Bkav mobile security and disable emergency calls ICE... should solve the problem. Tried it on my Note2 and it works!
  • Anyone having issues with Samsung Galaxy Note 2 constantly locking up so you can't swipe to unlock, answer phone, turn off alarm, etc?