As mobile fraud continues to rise across the country, global communications platform provider 8×8, Inc. has rolled out its Silent Mobile Authentication (SMA) solution in the Philippines, in partnership with PLDT Enterprise.
The launch brings a new approach to user verification by removing the need for one-time passwords (OTPs), which have long been the default method for securing digital logins and transactions.
Instead, SMA works silently in the background, validating users through mobile network and SIM-based signals — promising faster and more secure authentication without requiring customers to enter codes manually.
The new service integrates PLDT Enterprise’s SmartSafe SilentAccess into the 8×8 Connect platform. This allows enterprises to verify mobile users automatically while reducing the risk of common fraud schemes such as SIM-swap and spoofing attacks.
According to the companies, pilot deployments have shown higher verification success rates and lower customer drop-off compared to traditional OTP-based processes.
Silent authentication targets rising PH mobile fraud
Mobile fraud attacks continue to surge in the Philippines, with more than half of Filipinos reporting that they have been scammed at least once in their lifetime — seven points higher than the ASEAN average.
As the use of SMS and mobile messaging grows rapidly year-over-year, reliance on mobile numbers for two-factor authentication and identity verification has also increased. This has made authentication systems an attractive target for cybercriminals.
“Digital transactions are growing rapidly across the Philippines, alongside increasingly sophisticated fraud attempts,” said Igor Mostovoy, Product Director for CPaaS at 8×8. “Silent Mobile Authentication enables quick, secure user verification without the friction of traditional OTPs. In partnership with PLDT, we’re giving businesses tools to protect their customers and preserve trust as digital adoption accelerates.”
PLDT Enterprise echoed this view, positioning the service as part of a broader effort to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure. Armie Sason, Head of Key Industries Group 2 at PLDT Enterprise, said SmartSafe SilentAccess represents “an important step forward” in delivering secure and seamless verification for millions of mobile users nationwide.
“Together with 8×8, we are enabling enterprises to reduce fraud while supporting the Philippines’ ongoing digital transformation,” Sason said.
Balancing security and convenience for enterprises nationwide
For banks, fintech firms, and digital platforms, the promise of silent authentication lies in its balance of security and convenience.
By cutting out manual code entry, businesses can speed up login and transaction flows while lowering the chances of fraud-driven disruptions.
The companies said enterprises can already request demos of the solution, which is positioned as part of a wider push to modernize customer experience and security frameworks in a market where mobile-first services dominate.
As Filipino consumers continue to embrace cashless payments and app-based services, solutions like silent mobile authentication could play a key role in keeping digital growth both seamless and secure.
