Fighting SMS Fraud: PLDT Enterprise Redefines Customer Protection

​PLDT Enterprise, the corporate arm of PLDT, elevates mobile security with Silent Authentication which is designed to enhance customer protection by ensuring secure and seamless digital transactions. This technology leverages PLDT Enterprise's telco network, Smart Communications Inc. (Smart), PLDT’s wireless arm, to revolutionize the way e-commerce, banking, and other digital platforms manage authentication.

Supporting the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) move to shift away from One-Time Passwords (OTPs) to mitigate fraud, Silent Authentication offers a more secure and frictionless alternative for verifying transactions. BSP recently underscored the vulnerabilities of OTPs, citing their susceptibility to phishing, social engineering, and man-in-the-middle attacks. As part of its broader efforts to strengthen digital security, the BSP has encouraged financial institutions to adopt more advanced authentication solutions.

Silent Authentication eliminates the need for traditional passwords and OTPs (One-Time Passwords), offering users a streamlined and secure method to access their accounts and conduct transactions. With merchants directly coordinating with the telco network for verification through Application Programming Interface, the solution reduces risks associated with phishing, vishing, and OTP-related scams.

“Our exploration of Silent Authentication is a major advancement in our continued promise to provide innovative solutions that secure and enhance the digital experience for our customers,” said John Gonzales, First Vice President and Head of Enterprise Consulting Services and Technology Management at PLDT Enterprise. “By offering a seamless and secure verification method, we empower businesses and individuals to engage in digital transactions with confidence and ease.”

In the Philippines, where mobile-first transactions dominate the digital landscape, security has become a pressing concern. According to recent reports, the country ranks highest in Asia for e-shopping scams, with a 35.9% scam rate in online shopping. This highlights the urgency for solutions that ensure safety in digital interactions.

Silent Authentication addresses this need by enabling merchants to authenticate transactions through a direct link with the customer’s telco provider, Smart. This minimizes the risk of OTP interception and credential compromise, offering unparalleled protection for digital consumers.

Key Benefits of Silent Authentication

• Seamless User Experience: Silent Authentication facilitates faster and more convenient transactions by eliminating delays caused by traditional OTP systems.
• Enhanced Fraud Prevention: The solution significantly reduces vulnerabilities to phishing and other cyberattacks, fostering a secure e-commerce ecosystem.
• Industry Versatility: From banking to e-commerce, Silent Authentication supports various industries, offering them a robust layer of security without compromising user convenience.

Aligned with PLDT Enterprise's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Silent Authentication contributes to fostering a secure digital ecosystem that bridges the digital divide. By supporting the growth of digital transactions in a safe and reliable manner, this innovation empowers businesses of all sizes to thrive and empowers customers to secure digital ecosystem.