Rural bank taps EPLDT for online banking security

Ilocano rural finance firm Rang-ay Bank is harnessing the expertise of the PLDT Enterprise’s information, communication, and technology (ICT) arm EPLDT for the security of its online and mobile banking services.

Rang-ay Bank, whose networks have been powered by PLDT since 2009, is notably the first PLDT Enterprise partner to use the Vulnerability Management as-a-service (VMAAS) system. VMAAS system in their mobile application, database and mobile banking servers, banking system, and payment hub server.

The bank said it aims to safeguard its services as it ventures to expand further into the Ilocos region, reaching more customers and clients in the provinces.

According to Rang-ay Bank Chairman Ives Nisce, the partnership provides the bank with “tools and intelligence required to detect vulnerabilities in real-time, analyze them comprehensively, and mitigate them swiftly.”

Nisce said the bank is in “good hands” with PLDT Enterprise and EPLDT, citing how their partnership would be able to “enhance the way rural financial institutions approach cybersecurity and technological resilience.”

“Now, more than ever, we need to have a more holistic cybersecurity because the world is growing more and more digitally interconnected, and the advancement of technology means equally advanced threats. This partnership is a testament to our commitment against the rising tide of cyber risks,” he added.

PLDT and Smart First Vice President and Head of Enterprise and International Business Groups Mitch Locsin remarked that the use of VMAAS “allows us to empower our partners with secure and reliable solutions to help them propel their business visions.”

“We are very much excited to continuously work with Rang-ay Bank, consistent with your mission of making your services accessible and globally competitive with the market. As you continue to grow and improve your services to your customers in the North, primarily in Ilocos, we look forward to working closely with you in your journey,” Locsin added. (Khriscielle E. Yalao)