Samsung to encrypt data between smart TVs and servers in 2016

In 2016, Samsung claims to better secure all smart TVs based on the Tizen operating system. To do this, it has created a system called GAIA, which must, among other things, stop malware and encrypt data between TV and servers.

According to Samsung, the system is important to protect users’ personal information. GAIA breaks down into three different components. First, it uses a ‘safe zone’, in which Samsung protects important system functions. The manufacturer does not clarify how that works exactly.

Second, GAIA encrypts important data sent between the TV and various servers. It is unknown whether this is already happening and Samsung does not clarify which encryption the TV will use. In addition, there is a built-in anti-malware system that is supposed to detect unauthorized code and stop changes to the Tizen operating system. Finally, the operating system is physically divided into a safe and a general part. Data in the two parts is protected separately. A public key in the chip must ensure the verification of personal information.

It is not clear exactly which methods were used to develop the security of GAIA. Samsung is taking a step towards securing smart TVs yourself. In the past, it turned out that such devices are far from safe. The data protection regulation recently approved by the EU includes rules for protecting devices by companies under the heading of privacy by design.