Samsung One UI Security Flaw Leaves User Data Exposed in Plain Text Without Expiry

Samsung Users Demand Auto-Delete Clipboard History to Prevent Sensitive Data Leaks

A growing number of Samsung Galaxy users are calling for urgent action after it was revealed that the clipboard feature in One UI saves everything copied, including passwords and sensitive data, in plain text, with no automatic expiration.

This vulnerability means any copied password, banking detail, or confidential information remains accessible in the clipboard history until it is manually deleted, regardless of whether users switch to a third-party keyboard like Gboard.

The issue has become a focal point in online forums, with users expressing concern that anyone with access to an unlocked device can easily scroll through clipboard history and view sensitive information.

Even more troubling, cybersecurity experts warn that malware designed to target clipboard data, such as info-stealing trojans, can exploit this flaw to harvest passwords and financial credentials without the user’s knowledge.

Samsung has acknowledged the risk, with moderators confirming there is currently no built-in option to auto-delete clipboard contents after a set period.

They agree that features like auto-clearing the clipboard or excluding sensitive apps from clipboard history would be valuable enhancements, but no timeline for implementation has been provided.

Industry Comparisons and Security Recommendations

Samsung’s lag in clipboard security is particularly notable when compared to recent Android updates and competing platforms.

Android 13 and 14, for example, include a Clipboard Protection feature that automatically clears sensitive clipboard content after about one hour and notifies users when apps access the clipboard.

Google’s Gboard also deletes copied data from the clipboard after a short period, yet this safeguard is bypassed on Samsung devices due to One UI’s system-level clipboard integration.

FeatureSamsung One UI (Current)Android 13/14 Clipboard ProtectionGboard Clipboard
Auto-delete clipboard historyNoYes (after ~1 hour)Yes (after ~1 hour)
Manual clear optionYesYesYes
Notification of clipboard accessNo (except for some alerts)YesNo
Plain text storageYesNo (auto-clears sensitive data)No (auto-clears)

Security professionals recommend users avoid copying sensitive information to the clipboard whenever possible and to clear the clipboard history manually after each use.

Password managers with direct autofill capabilities are advised over copy-paste workflows.

Until Samsung implements an auto-delete option, users are urged to remain vigilant, use secure input methods, and enable any available clipboard access alerts.

As pressure mounts, Samsung faces increasing calls to prioritize clipboard privacy and deliver system-level protections that match or exceed those offered by stock Android and leading third-party solutions.

For now, the responsibility for safeguarding sensitive data remains with users themselves.

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AnuPriya
AnuPriya
Any Priya is a cybersecurity reporter at Cyber Press, specializing in cyber attacks, dark web monitoring, data breaches, vulnerabilities, and malware. She delivers in-depth analysis on emerging threats and digital security trends.

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