Cyber threats have become a constant risk as the world has grown more digital. From phishing scams designed to steal personal information to ransomware attacks that hold entire systems hostage, online dangers continue to evolve, targeting both individuals and organizations. The financial sector, in particular, has seen a significant rise in these threats, as more consumers shift to online banking and digital financial services for their convenience.
Maya, the Philippines’ #1 digital bank, is committed to ensuring that your money stays safe. We don’t stop at offering innovative ways to manage your finances but also prioritize robust security measures to protect your funds. Plus, to ensure that you can utilize our technology to the fullest, we also strive to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to maintain your account security.
We go the extra mile to ensure that the answer to the question, “Is Maya safe?” is always a resounding yes. However, while we invest heavily in account security, we need you to work hand in hand with us to create a more secure financial environment. To help you stay ahead of potential threats, this article will explore some risky behaviors to avoid when managing your digital finances, as well as some key security features that Maya utilizes to support your efforts.
Weak or Reused Passwords
Hackers thrive on predictability. Weak passwords like “123456” or “password” and passwords you reuse across multiple accounts create the perfect opportunity for unauthorized access. Even if your banking password is strong, it becomes vulnerable if it’s the same one you use for other sites that could be compromised. Consider using a password manager to create and securely store unique, complex passwords for your online accounts; they’re a highly effective way to guarantee the safety of every account you have.
With Maya, there’s no need for you to choose between convenience and security when it comes to logging in to your accounts. We’ll let you log in using alphanumeric passwords, face ID, and fingerprint ID, so you have a wealth of safe options you can use to access your Maya wallet or savings account.
Accessing Accounts on Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks may seem harmless, but they’re a playground for hackers. These unsecured connections can allow cybercriminals to intercept data, including login credentials, transmitted over the network. So while it might seem tempting to check your bank account while sipping coffee at a café, it’s ultimately not worth the risk. A safer option is to use personal data or wait until you’re on a secure, private network.
Maya, for its part, restricts account logins to one device at a time, an additional Maya security measure meant to protect you from unauthorized account access. This means that even if a hacker were to intercept your credentials on a public network, they would still be unable to access your account without logging you out from your own device. This thoughtful feature complements other security measures to protect your account from bad actors.
Clicking on Unknown Links
The convenience of modern technology has its downsides—one wrong click on a suspicious link can lead to malware infections or fake login pages designed to steal your credentials. Scammers often disguise these links as urgent messages about your account, which, in turn, might entice you to act quickly without verifying their authenticity. Always take a moment to scrutinize the source of the message and avoid clicking on links from unknown or untrusted senders.
At Maya, we take the initiative to educate its users about these risks and regularly provide resources on how to recognize and avoid such scams. Take note that Maya NEVER sends links through SMS, and text messages containing links that appear to be from Maya are likely the result of text hijacking or spoofing. We also employ cutting-edge 24/7 fraud monitoring systems and always-on customer service so that we can detect and neutralize any fraudulent activities targeting our users before they can cause harm.
Using Outdated Software
Older versions of apps and operating systems often have unpatched vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit to access your data. Keep your devices and apps updated so that you always benefit from the latest security enhancements. You may even want to turn on auto-updating features if they’re available to take all the hassle out of this process. This simple habit can make a big difference in reducing your exposure to cyberattacks.
Maya’s app is designed with security in mind and adheres to global standards. We’re ISO-certified, PCI-DSS compliant, and one of only six digital banks in the Philippines licensed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). We update our app frequently to ensure it incorporates the latest security measures and remains a step ahead of emerging threats.
Using Unverified Third-Party Apps
Granting permissions to unknown or unverified apps is a risky gamble. Some apps may claim to provide useful features but can misuse your sensitive data or even infect your device with malware. Always verify the legitimacy of third-party apps before connecting them to your banking accounts, and stick to trusted providers for any financial services integrations.
If you use Maya, you won’t need to rely on any third-party software for your financial needs. As an all-in-one money app, we’ll let you manage your e-wallet, savings, credit, and bills payments in one secure platform. This integrated approach not only simplifies your financial life but also reduces the risk of exposing your data to untrusted sources.
As digital threats continue to evolve, staying vigilant is key to safeguarding your financial well-being. Avoiding risky behaviors and partnering with a trusted digital bank like Maya are just two proactive and highly effective steps you can take to protect your funds. Discover how Maya’s advanced security measures and innovative financial solutions can help you manage your money with confidence today.
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Maya is powered by the country's only end-to-end digital payments company Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. for digital banking services. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
www.bsp.gov.ph