Digging UAE Bank SMS OTP? What do you know about the app-based verification here. world News
TL; Dr.
- UAE Banks will stop using SMS and Email OTP for online and money transfer verification
- There will be a new standard to confirm the in-app certification transaction
- This innings begins on July 25, 2025, requiring full rollouts by 31 March, 2026.
From Friday, July 25, 2025, banks in UAE will start moving away from a one -time password (OTP) sent via SMS or email, according to a report by a local news outlet Emrat Al Yama. Instead, customers must use their bank’s mobile app to approve or reject both local and international digital transactions.This change is gradually being rolled into banks, and it comes from a directive issued by the Central Bank of UAE. The last deadline for complete implementation is 31 March 2026. Till then, all banks must stop using SMS and email for transaction authentication.The switch is designed to improve security and reduce the risk of fraud, especially cyber attacks on banks continue to increase. From fishing and sim-swapping to ransomware, traditional OTP methods have become very easy to exploit the attackers.According to EMARAT Al YouM, an official document broadcast to banks said:“Based on the instructions of the UAE central bank, please note that the receipt of one time password through text messages or emails will gradually be phased out. Customers can now easily complete electronic transactions through smart applications by selecting ‘authentication’ authentication through ‘mobile application’ feature.”
Why is this happening?
Financial threat
- According to the UAE Cyber Security Council, public sector institutions face and block more than 50,000 attacks daily.
- According to UAE cyber security officials, ransomware attacks increased by 32% in 2024.
- The ransomware incidents in the United Arab Emirates increased from 27 to 34 in 2023 to 34 in 2024, reported by Acronis.
OTPs are no longer safe
- OTPs sent by SMS or email can be kidnapped through fishing, sim-swapping or malware
- Many users inadvertently submit code to scammers
- Once the stolen is stolen, the attackers can vacate quick accounts or transfer money abroad
What will change for you?
The OTP will be phased and now you will not get a bar code via SMS or email. Instead, you will get a push notification from your bank appTransactions will need to confirm in-app
- When you make a payment, your bank app will ask you to approve or reject you
- You should have an app installed and information should be turned on
- It adds a real time layer of security
Do banks want customers to know
Bank officials say this is a better way to protect both users and systems. In quotes published by EMARAT ALE YOUM, an official said that the mobile app allows the method to reject the customer directly or transactions, making it difficult to succeed for fraud.This approach also means low dependence on the network that can be intercept or spuffed. This inactive code adds a layer of active consent from the customer instead of entry.
Fasting
1. Will SMS OTP still work?Yes, during the transition period. But he is expected to disappear by March 2026.2. What happens if I lose my phone?Inform your bank immediately. They will freeze the app access and help you re -connect safely.3. What if I do not want to use a mobile app?After all, it will not be optional. For digital transactions, mobile app authentication will become the only method.
