Viber has rolled out a raft of solutions to help businesses authenticate users they are messaging with to stay safe in a world surging with scams.
In an era where digital communication has become the norm, the security of our online interactions has never been more crucial.
However, the scale of scam messages has grown almost in tandem with the new way of communication.
As scams and phishing attempts proliferate across messaging platforms, one of the world’s largest messaging apps, Rakuten Viber, is taking significant steps to fortify its defences and protect its users.
Enhanced security solutions for businesses
Rakuten Viber has unveiled new security solutions designed to protect communication on its platform, with a particular focus on business interactions.
These measures aim to swiftly authenticate users, thereby enhancing trust and reducing the risk of fraud.
“As 60% of online customers now prioritise security and transparency in communications with businesses, it is imperative to redefine trust,” says Cristina Constandache, Chief Revenue Officer at Rakuten at Viber.
One of the key innovations is the introduction of verification messages. These provide a secure and seamless way to authenticate clients through one-time passwords (OTPs).
Unlike traditional SMS-based OTPs, Viber’s solution offers encrypted OTPs at lower costs, with the added benefit of pre-defined delivery times. The user experience has been streamlined, allowing recipients to quickly copy the PIN code using a ‘copy’ button in the chat, even without opening the Viber app.
This move comes at a time when cybercriminals are increasingly targeting messaging apps, exploiting the trust users place in these platforms to carry out their nefarious activities. In fact, daily fraudulent texts in the US average 415,172,654.
This is, in part, thanks to the proliferation of AI, that has allowed cyber criminals to automate a lot of their work, and increasingly weave more convincing scams.
In this context, Rakuten Viber’s latest security enhancements are not just a technological upgrade, but a necessary response to the growing sophistication of online threats.
SecurePlus protection
Rakuten Viber has also introduced SecurePlus messages, adding an extra layer of security for sensitive communications.
This feature checks the recipient’s number in real-time to confirm its not flagged for potential fraudulent activity. Only after this verification does Viber deliver private and sensitive information, such as transaction details or bank statements.
Originally developed in collaboration with Eurobank, one of Europe’s leading banks, SecurePlus is now available globally.
“As a bank, security is paramount to us. Collaborating with Rakuten Viber to develop a product for enhancing the protection of sensitive information was truly rewarding for Eurobank,” says Sokratis Kalamatianos, responsible for Digital Solutions at Eurobank. “Our journey through this process was seamless, driven by our shared commitment to security.”
This solution addresses the growing demand for advanced security from financial institutions and other industries handling sensitive customer information, including insurance and pharmaceutical sectors.
These security solutions are complimented by Viber’s recent SOC 2 Type II certification, a rigorous security audit that validates the app’s robust data protection measures.
The app maintains end-to-end encryption for private and group chats as well as private calls, ensuring that private messages are never stored on the super app’s servers and that all connections remain HTTPS-secure.
“Our new solutions reinforce our commitment to safeguarding every brand-user interaction while solidifying our role as a secure super app,” says Cristina.
Securing messaging apps from scams
The sophistication of these scams is alarming. Fraudsters often use very convincing but fraudulent websites to collect personal and financial information.
The rise in ‘smishing’ attempts, where scammers use SMS messages to trick users, underscores the need for robust security measures across all messaging platforms.
Rakuten Viber’s new security solutions represent a significant step forward in that ongoing battle against digital fraud and scams.
By focusing on user authentication and protecting sensitive information, Viber is not only enhancing its own platform but also setting a standard for security in the messaging app industry.
