DITO Telecommunity has introduced the country’s first Silent Network Authentication (SNA) service, a new security system that aims to replace the traditional SMS-based One-Time Password (OTP) used in many online transactions.
The service was developed in partnership with Shush and Twilio.
Unlike OTPs, which require users to receive and manually enter a code sent via text message, SNA verifies a user’s identity automatically through the mobile network. This removes the need to type codes while strengthening protection against fraud.
DITO said the move is part of its effort to improve digital security as more consumers rely on mobile phones for banking, payments and online services.
“Fraudsters today exploit weaknesses in legacy authentication methods,” said Adel Tamano, chief commercial officer of DITO. “With Silent Network Authentication, verification happens directly through the DITO mobile network. This represents a major step forward in protecting subscribers and securing mobile transactions.”
SNA works by allowing digital platforms to confirm a user’s identity through the mobile network itself, reducing the risk of scams such as SIM-swap attacks that can compromise SMS-based OTP systems.
Through its integration with DITO’s network, Twilio enables businesses—including banks, fintech firms and digital platforms—to use authentication tools based on secure carrier-level data.
“Legacy authentication methods like SMS OTP are increasingly vulnerable to modern threats such as SIM swapping,” said Orisa Cherenfant, vice president for strategy and operations at Twilio. “Network authentication APIs help businesses strengthen their security while reducing friction in the user experience.”
The system runs on Shush’s Sherlock platform, which allows telecom operators to offer network-based security services to companies through secure application programming interfaces (APIs) without requiring major infrastructure changes.
“Our mission is to help carriers unlock the value of their networks by making authentication and security services accessible to businesses and developers,” said Eddie DeCurtis, chief executive and co-founder of Shush.
DITO said financial institutions and digital platforms have already expressed interest in the new technology as they seek stronger protection for mobile transactions.
The company said it is working with partners across the financial and digital sectors to roll out the service, with the goal of making DITO “the most secure SIM in the Philippines” for mobile banking and other online services.
