Connected devices are now embedded in everyday life and business operations, quietly collecting and processing vast amounts of data. From how people consume content to how organizations operate and transact, these technologies sit at the center of an increasingly digital economy. With that shift has come heightened scrutiny—from governments, regulators, and businesses—over how data is protected and where vulnerabilities lie.
Every interaction with a connected device can generate sensitive information, including user credentials, usage patterns, and payment data. While this data enables efficiency and personalization, it also introduces risk. Weak security at the device level can expose individuals, organizations, and even national systems to cyber threats, financial loss, and regulatory consequences. As governments worldwide reassess technologies over data concerns, device security is no longer a background issue—it is a strategic priority.
To better understand how modern connected devices are designed to address these risks, and what individuals and businesses should look for, we spoke with Sam Odhiambo, Head of Consumer Electronics at Samsung Electronics East Africa. He shares insights on why built-in, hardware-level security is becoming essential, how multi-layered protection platforms work, and what practical steps users in Kenya can take to strengthen their digital safety without slowing innovation.
What’s driving increased government scrutiny over data?
Data has increasingly become a strategic asset. Connected devices now sit at the center of personal life, business operations, and national infrastructure. Governments are increasingly concerned about how data is collected, where it is stored, and who can access it—especially when that data crosses borders. As digital dependence grows, weak device security has become a regulatory, economic, and national risk.
Why is hardware-level security now essential?
Software alone can no longer carry the full burden of protection. While software can be updated, it can also be attacked. Hardware-level security, on the other hand, is built directly into the device and establishes a trusted foundation from the moment it powers on. Globally, this approach is becoming a baseline requirement as regulators, enterprises, and governments demand stronger assurances around data protection.
How does this risk show up in everyday devices?
Many everyday devices now operate like full computing systems. They store credentials, process payments, connect to cloud services, and interact with other devices. Even something as familiar as a smart TV can hold sensitive login and payment information. If security is weak at the device level, that exposure can extend far beyond a single user or location.
What does multi-layered security mean in practice?
It means security is designed in layers rather than relying on a single control. Hardware protection secures the core, software manages behavior and access, sensitive data is encrypted and isolated, and systems are continuously monitored for threats. This layered approach reflects the reality of today’s cyber risks, which are persistent and sophisticated rather than one-off attacks.
Why is this especially important for Kenya?
Kenya’s digital economy is expanding rapidly, and connected devices are deeply embedded across sectors. An unsecured device—whether in an office, retail space, or public environment—can become an entry point for broader attacks. For businesses, strong device security supports continuity, protects customer trust, and prepares organizations for tighter data and compliance expectations in the future.
What practical steps can users take?
Security should be approached as a layered system. At the foundation, hardware-level protection secures the core of the device. On top of that, software manages system behavior, controls app access, and encrypts sensitive data, while continuous monitoring detects potential threats.
For example, platforms like Samsung Knox apply this approach across connected devices, including smart TVs. Sensitive information such as login credentials or payment data is isolated in a hardware-backed secure environment, separate from apps and the operating system. Even if one layer is compromised, others remain in place.