8×8 Inc., a global business communications platform provider, launched Silent Mobile Authentication (SMA) in the Philippines through a partnership with PLDT Enterprise, the corporate arm of PLDT.
The rollout follows the launch of SmartSafe SilentAccess by PLDT Enterprise, a solution under its SmartSafe API suite that verifies mobile users using network and SIM-based signals. By integrating SmartSafe SilentAccess into the 8×8 Connect platform, businesses can confirm a user’s identity without sending one-time passwords (OTPs), removing the need for manual code entry and reducing delays during login or transactions.
Mobile fraud remains a concern in the Philippines. More than half of Filipinos have reported being scammed at least once, a rate higher than the ASEAN average. As more services rely on SMS and mobile messaging, mobile numbers are increasingly used for identity checks and two-factor authentication.
“8×8 Silent Mobile Authentication enables quick, secure user verification without the friction of traditional OTPs,” said Igor Mostovoy, product director, CPaaS at 8×8, Inc. “In partnership with PLDT, we’re equipping businesses with innovative tools to protect their customers and maintain trust as digital adoption grows, managing authentication quickly without heavy development effort.”
While SMS-based OTPs are still widely used, the new solution offers an alternative by verifying users in the background through mobile network data. This approach helps limit risks such as spoofing and SIM-swap attacks and can speed up authentication. Pilot programs showed higher success rates and fewer users abandoning the process compared with OTP-based methods, according to the companies.
“SmartSafe SilentAccess represents an important step forward in strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure,” Armie Sason, head of Key Industries Group 2 at PLDT Enterprise, said. “At PLDT Enterprise, our shared commitment with 8×8 is to deliver secure and seamless verification for millions of mobile users. Together, we are enabling enterprises to protect their customers, reduce fraud, and support the Philippines’ ongoing digital transformation.”