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Fraud

Insurance

Encryption

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5 Things a Digital Bank Must Have to Know That Your Money Is Truly Secure

The rise of digital banks and “neobanks” has transformed the Philippines’s financial landscape in recent years. Encouraged by the government’s ongoing push for ...

07-Nov-2024
5 min read

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Insurance

Fraud

Encryption

The rise of digital banks and “neobanks” has transformed the Philippines’s finan...

The rise of digital banks and “neobanks” has transformed the Philippines’s financial landscape in recent years. Encouraged by the government’s ongoing push for digital finance, these institutions offer a fresh alternative to traditional banking. As they don’t have physical branches, digital banks are exclusively accessible on smartphones; thus, you can manage your finances with just a few taps. This convenience—combined with benefits like lower fees, better interest rates, and 24/7 access—makes them an increasingly attractive option for consumers seeking flexibility in managing their money. Yet, as with any online financial activity, security concerns about digital banks are bound to arise. Entrusting your money to a digital bank often comes with questions like “How safe is my data?” or “Are my transactions protected?” While these are valid concerns, it’s important to remember that the best digital banks will hold themselves to the same consumer protection standards as any traditional financial institution. They offer robust security measures that rival, and in some cases surpass, those of their physical counterparts. In this article, you can learn more about the essential security features and protocols that a trustworthy digital bank should have. Whether you’re already using a digital bank or just considering one, understanding these measures can give you peace of mind that your money and personal information are well-protected. ## Proper Regulation and Insurance When you’re placing your hard-earned money in a bank, it helps to know that the institution is operating within a solid legal framework. In the Philippines, one of the most reliable indicators of a digital bank's credibility is its regulation by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). A [BSP-supervised digital bank](https://www.mayabank.ph) is required to meet strict capital and liquidity standards and also undergoes regular audits to ensure compliance with banking laws. On top of that, most BSP-regulated banks—such as Maya, the country’s foremost digital banking institution—are also insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC). This means that, in the event that the bank is closed or if it declares bankruptcy, your deposits, up to PHP 500,000, are protected. So, when choosing a digital bank, checking for BSP regulation and PDIC insurance should be your first step in assessing its security posture. ## Encryption Standards Every time you log into a digital banking app, you’re sending and receiving sensitive information like your password, account details, and your transaction history. What protects this data from prying eyes is encryption, a technology that scrambles your information to make it unreadable to unauthorized users. Look for digital banks that use SSL (secure socket layer) or TLS (transport layer security) to secure your data during transmission. Beyond that, end-to-end encryption ensures that even if hackers intercept your data, it will be indecipherable. ## Two-Factor or Multi-Factor Authentication (2FA/MFA) It’s no longer enough to rely solely on a password to protect your bank account. Today’s hackers have become increasingly sophisticated and passwords—even strong ones—can always be compromised. That’s where two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA) comes in. These systems require a second form of verification in addition to your password, like a one-time code sent to your phone or a biometric scan. These create an extra barrier for potential intruders. Many digital banks offer options for both 2FA and MFA, so you can choose what works best for you. When you set these extra layers of protection in place, bad actors won’t be able to access your account without additional verification, even if they do manage to steal your password. ## Fraud Detection and Monitoring Systems No matter how careful you are, fraudsters are always looking for ways to exploit weaknesses or mistakes. This is why modern digital banks invest heavily in advanced fraud detection and monitoring systems. They use algorithms and machine learning to track your spending patterns and alert you to any unusual activity in real-time. For instance, you might get a notification on your phone because the system noticed an attempt to withdraw money from a location you’ve never visited or a purchase that you don’t usually make. You can then immediately lock your account or notify your bank before any damage is done. ## Data Privacy and Ownership Policies In the digital age, your personal data is as valuable as your money and protecting it should be a top priority for any bank. A reputable digital bank will have clear, transparent privacy policies outlining how your personal information is handled, processed, stored, and shared. Look for banks that empower you to control your data, with straightforward terms on data collection and usage. Ideally, these policies should ensure that your information is used solely to enhance your banking experience, not sold to third parties for marketing purposes. By understanding a bank’s approach to data privacy and security, you gain the power to make informed decisions that safeguard your personal data along with your financial assets. Security is everything when it comes to digital banking. The better you understand the key features and protocols that safeguard your money and data, the more confident you can be about choosing a bank that meets your needs. In the end, staying informed is your best defense against potential threats, so you can enjoy the convenience of digital banking with your peace of mind intact.

loading..   07-Nov-2024
loading..   5 min read
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Cybersecurity

Payment

Cybercrime

Digital wallets continue to be a popular way for Filipinos and other consumers a...

Digital wallets continue to be a popular way for Filipinos and other consumers around the world to store their money and pay for their transactions, particularly online ones. In fact, data gathering platform Statista noted that the Philippines comprised around 58 million active e-wallet users in 2022 alone and that that number is still anticipated to grow by 40 percent come 2025. Perhaps this comes as no surprise, given the multiple benefits digital wallets can offer—such as the convenience of managing funds through an app, real-time transfers, and ease of use when paying for online purchases. Seeing how [online payment Philippines](https://www.maya.ph/business/online-solutions) systems like those of Maya Checkout have also become the norm on almost 6all e-commerce sites, one can certainly expect digital wallets to remain a staple well into the future. That being said, security is still a pressing concern among digital wallet users. To alleviate these anxieties, digital payment providers must always place a high priority on putting security safeguards in their payment apps to ensure that their users’ information remains safe around the clock. For this reason, the skills and know-how of cybersecurity professionals are highly necessary to create better safety measures and to keep legitimate businesses and their customers out of harm’s way. To that end, let’s have a quick look at the role cybersecurity experts play in keeping digital wallets safe, and why there’s a growing demand for their expertise now more than ever. ## Payment Apps and Cybersecurity: Some Facts With the evolution of the digital economy came familiar cybersecurity measures like password systems, biometric logins, firewalls, access controls, antivirus software, two-factor authentication (2FA), and more. But the faster that digital payment technologies like e-wallets evolve, the more imperative it becomes for cybersecurity professionals to develop solutions that can perform at a higher and more sophisticated level. Though it may have initially been a bother for customers to go through these security measures for everyday e-wallet transactions, nowadays, few truly mind when they’re asked to input a one-time password (OTP) that was sent to the mobile number associated with their account. The typical customer understands that multiple steps of verification are necessary to prove one’s identity—and that these are being implemented for the purpose of making sure their hard-earned funds are not compromised. Cybersecurity professionals contribute greatly to the development and improvement of these commonplace safety features. Whether they are part of the actual app development team or offer their expertise as consultants, their input is crucial in ensuring that any end-user’s digital wallet won’t be as vulnerable to various online threats, such as hacking or fraudulent use. ## What Fuels the Demand for Cybersecurity Experts? As mentioned above, the number of e-wallet users in developing markets will only continue to grow. There will be a similar demand for cybersecurity experts to assist payment app developers in fortifying their safety features and also staying on top of the following related tasks: 1) Predicting the Emergence of New Threats New cybersecurity threats may be emerging every day, and it takes the foresight as well as the expertise of a cybersecurity professional to learn about and neutralize them. A cybersecurity expert will typically be attuned to trends in the sector to build their knowledge on exactly how to keep a payment app and its related technologies safe. 2) Working with Stakeholders to Address High Rates of Cyber crime Cybersecurity experts are also major role players in addressing existing cyber crimes, especially now that rates have gone up due to incidences like online selling scams. This rise in cyber crimes, particularly ones connected to online shopping, has prompted not only digital wallet providers but also other parties involved in e-commerce to hire more cybersecurity professionals to help reduce those threats. In turn, cybersecurity pros have done their part to work with governments, the finance sector, and the private sector to spearhead improvements in security patches, frameworks for the implementation of cyber crime law, and information campaigns for the general public. 3) Compliance Requirements Governments all over the world are pushing for organizations to strengthen their cybersecurity solutions. It isn’t a surprise that payment app developers have involved more cybersecurity experts in their ranks to help them comply with necessary security requirements. If those requirements happen to change in the future, then having a cybersecurity expert in the development team also means the payment app team will be able to adapt right away. ## Tips for Consumers: How to Keep Your Digital Wallet Safe Even if your digital wallet is equipped with the latest security features, carelessness on your part can still lead to your financial information falling into the wrong hands. Building good cybersecurity habits is just as important on the consumer end if the goal is to reduce incidences of cyber crime. Make sure to create strong and unique passwords for your digital accounts, and always be vigilant of phishing scams, or scams in which someone pretends to be a representative of a legitimate company to ask for your personal information. It should be like second nature for you to double-check the authenticity of any message sender whenever your financial details are involved. And remember that no reputable company would ask for your passwords, so anyone doing so should already raise alarm bells. Another important tip is to make your payment app transactions over secured networks only, such as your home internet connection. Avoid opening your digital wallet or transferring money to someone while connected to public Wi-Fi, as your data and privacy are vulnerable over such networks. The burden also falls on business owners to inform their customers of cybersecurity best practices and inform them about how to transact online in a secure manner. These efforts from customers and business owners ensure that the hard work of cybersecurity experts doesn’t go to waste and that a digital economy with evolved payment technologies is as safe as it is advanced.

loading..   25-Oct-2024
loading..   6 min read
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CryptoSafety

Cryptocurrency

Cyberawarness

The crypto market has grown exponentially over the years, attracting individuals...

The crypto market has grown exponentially over the years, attracting individuals who want more control over their finances and are, at the same time, fascinated by blockchain and related technologies. But as the number of crypto users increases, so does the presence of scammers and cybercriminals who can exploit these digital assets’ vulnerabilities. As such, crypto users have to implement various security strategies to protect their cryptocurrencies and crypto wallets. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the different ways you can strengthen your crypto security so that you can stay safe when using these very useful digital coins. ### Use a Cryptocurrency That Uses Robust Security Measures Choosing a cryptocurrency that inherently implements robust security measures is essential for ensuring your transaction integrity and safeguarding your funds. Secure cryptocurrencies use various security features to mitigate the risks associated with fraud, unauthorized access, and other cyber threats. Monero (XMR), for example, uses advanced cryptography techniques, such as ring signatures, stealth addresses, and ring confidential transactions (RingCT), to ensure the privacy and anonymity of its users. This means that transaction details are obscured, making it challenging for third parties to trace or identify participants, thereby protecting user privacy and their [Monero wallet](https://www.xmrwallet.com/). ### Create a Strong Password for Your Crypto Wallet Account Using a strong password is a fundamental aspect of securing your crypto wallet. Weak passwords can be easily guessed or cracked, potentially giving attackers easy access to your funds. A common characteristic of a strong password is that it features a combination of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. It’s also typically at least 12 characters long, as longer passwords are generally more secure. If you have trouble remembering long passwords, consider using a passphrase, which is a sequence of random words that are hard to guess but not easily forgotten. For example, "BlueSky$Rain#Mountain123" is a strong passphrase that combines different elements. It's also crucial to use unique passwords for different crypto wallet accounts. If one of your passwords is compromised, having unique passwords for the others ensures that these other accounts can remain secure. To manage your passwords effectively, consider using a password manager. Password managers can generate and store complex passwords, reducing the risk of using weak or repeated passwords. ### Enable 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) Whenever Possible Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an additional layer of security that can significantly enhance the protection of your crypto wallet. By enabling 2FA, you require a second form of verification, such as a text message, email, or authentication app, in addition to your password. This means that even if someone manages to obtain your password, they would still need the second form of verification to access your account. Most crypto wallets and exchanges offer 2FA, but if the programs you’re using don’t have this feature, consider using an authentication app. While text messages are commonly used to receive 2FA codes, they’re susceptible to SIM swapping attacks, where attackers trick your mobile carrier into transferring your phone number to their SIM card. Authentication apps are generally considered more secure because they don’t rely on your mobile carrier, preventing cybercriminals from intercepting codes you receive through SMS. ### Invest in a Good Hardware Crypto Wallet For maximum security, consider investing in a hardware crypto wallet. Unlike software wallets, which are connected to the internet and vulnerable to malware, hardware wallets are physical devices that store your private keys offline. They provide a secure environment for managing your crypto assets, making them immune to online hacking attempts. When choosing a hardware wallet, look for reputable options known for their security features and reliability. These devices typically offer secure chips and PIN protection, as well as generate and store your private keys within the hardware, ensuring that your keys never leave the device. ### Use a Secure Internet Connection or VPN When Carrying Out Crypto Transactions When conducting transactions involving cryptocurrency, it's crucial to use a secure internet connection. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks when conducting transactions involving cryptocurrency. Public Wi-Fi networks are more susceptible to hacking and eavesdropping attempts, so instead, opt for a secure Wi-Fi network or use a virtual private network (VPN) for added security. A private, password-protected Wi-Fi network requires users to log in with the correct credentials before they can connect to it, adding a layer of security to your internet usage. A VPN, on the other hand, encrypts your internet connection, protecting your data from potential interception by malicious actors. This encryption ensures that your transactions remain confidential and secure. When using a VPN, make sure to choose a reputable provider that does not keep logs of your online activity and offers strong encryption protocols. ### Familiarize Yourself with the Most Common Crypto Scams Educating yourself about common cryptocurrency scams is essential for avoiding potential pitfalls. Scammers often target crypto users through various deceptive tactics like phishing schemes and fake exchanges. Phishing scams involve fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information, such as passwords or private keys, by posing as legitimate entities. As such, be cautious of unsolicited emails, messages, or websites that prompt you to disclose personal information or click on suspicious links. Fake exchanges, however, mimic reputable cryptocurrency exchanges to deceive users into depositing funds. Therefore, always verify the legitimacy of an exchange by checking reviews and researching its background, as well as its history with the crypto community. By staying informed and vigilant, you can mitigate the risks associated with cryptocurrency scams and safeguard your digital assets effectively. Ensuring your safety and security when using crypto is crucial to protecting your funds and investments. With the help of these strategies, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to scams and cybercrimes, allowing you to use your crypto assets and wallets with peace of mind.

loading..   26-Jul-2024
loading..   5 min read