UAE Banks Shift to In-App Authentication: Boost Security and Convenience
Discover how the UAE's move to in-app banking authorisation enhances security and user convenience. Learn why this change is crucial for your digital transac...
Key Takeaways
- UAE banks are phasing out SMS and email OTPs, transitioning to in-app authentication for enhanced security.
- In-app authentication uses biometrics and multiple layers of protection to prevent phishing and SIM-swap fraud.
- The new system offers a more user-friendly experience with faster, one-tap approvals and no waiting for SMS codes.
UAE Banks Embrace In-App Authentication: A New Era of Security and Convenience
Starting July 25, 2025, UAE banks will officially phase out SMS and email OTPs (One-Time Passwords), replacing them with in-app banking authorisation. This significant shift aims to enhance security and provide a more user-friendly experience for customers. Let's delve into the details of this transformative change.
What is In-App Banking Authorisation?
In-app banking authorisation allows you to approve or reject banking transactions directly within your bank’s mobile app. This method eliminates the need to switch to your SMS inbox or type in codes, making the process faster and more secure. Here’s how a typical transaction works:
- Initiate the Transaction: You make a payment, transfer, or online purchase using your bank's app or website.
- Receive a Push Notification: You get an alert from your bank's app on your phone.
- View Transaction Details: Tap the alert to open the app and review the full transaction details.
- Confirm Identity: Verify your identity using a fingerprint, Face ID, or PIN.
- Approve or Decline: Instantly approve or reject the transaction within the app.
Why the Shift from SMS OTPs?
The move away from SMS OTPs is driven by several key factors:
1. Protection Against Phishing
SMS OTPs are vulnerable to interception and phishing attacks. Cybercriminals can trick users into providing OTPs through fake websites. In-app authorisation, on the other hand, happens within the secure environment of the official banking app, making it much harder for fraudsters to succeed.
2. Preventing SIM-Swap Fraud
SIM-swap fraud involves hijacking a user’s mobile number to intercept OTPs. In-app authorisation bypasses this risk by relying on the user’s device and biometric identity, rather than the SIM card.
3. Stronger Security Layers
Banks are implementing multiple layers of protection within their apps, such as biometrics, passcodes, and liveness checks (like video selfies). These advanced security measures significantly enhance the overall security of the system.
4. Greater Control and Less Risk
With in-app authorisation, you have full visibility of the transaction details before approving it. This includes the exact amount, recipient name, and purpose of the transaction, reducing the risk of unauthorized or incorrect transactions.
User-Friendly Benefits
In addition to enhanced security, in-app authorisation offers several user-friendly benefits:
- One-Tap Approval**: Quickly approve transactions with a fingerprint or face scan.
- No Waiting for SMS Codes**: No more delays waiting for SMS codes, especially useful when traveling or in low network areas.
- All-in-One Experience**: Receive notifications, verify, and approve transactions in one place.
How to Activate In-App Approval in the UAE
Banks across the UAE, including Emirates NBD, Mashreq, ADCB, and FAB, are rolling out in-app authentication features. Here’s how to enable it:
- Update Your App: Ensure your bank’s app is updated to the latest version.
- Find Security Settings: Navigate to the security settings or authentication options in the app.
- Enable Biometric Login: Turn on biometric login (fingerprint or Face ID) and toggle “App-based authorisation” to on.
If you need assistance, most banks provide step-by-step guides on their websites or offer customer service support.
The Transition Timeline
The phase-out of SMS and email OTPs will begin on July 25, 2025, and will roll out gradually over the next 20 months, with a full transition expected by March 2026. During this period, some customers may still receive OTPs, but eventually, all UAE residents will need to use in-app authorisation for online transactions.
The Bottom Line
The shift to in-app banking authorisation is more than just a tech update; it’s a significant step forward in how we bank. By adopting this new method, you’re not only protecting yourself from fraud, phishing, and SIM-swap scams but also making your banking experience faster and more seamless. Don’t wait—enable in-app authorisation today and enjoy a safer, more convenient digital banking experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in-app banking authorisation, and how does it work?
In-app banking authorisation allows you to approve or reject banking transactions directly within your bank’s mobile app. You receive a push notification, view transaction details, and confirm your identity using biometrics or a PIN to approve the transaction securely.
Why are banks moving away from SMS OTPs?
Banks are moving away from SMS OTPs because they are vulnerable to phishing and SIM-swap fraud. In-app authorisation provides a more secure environment by using biometrics and multiple layers of protection.
How do I activate in-app authorisation for my bank?
To activate in-app authorisation, update your bank’s app to the latest version, navigate to the security settings, enable biometric login, and turn on 'App-based authorisation.' Most banks offer step-by-step guides for assistance.
What are the benefits of in-app authorisation over SMS OTPs?
In-app authorisation offers enhanced security, protection against phishing and SIM-swap fraud, and a more user-friendly experience with one-tap approvals and no waiting for SMS codes.
When will the complete phase-out of SMS OTPs take place?
The complete phase-out of SMS OTPs in the UAE is expected by March 2026. The transition will begin on July 25, 2025, and roll out gradually over the next 20 months.
