In an update to its website, Maybank states that MAE will now ‘automatically detect malware or risky permission settings upon launching of the app’. — Screenshot of Maybank website
PETALING JAYA: Maybank is enhancing the security of its MAE app with the rollout of a new malware-detection feature that will detect malicious applications and risky device settings.
This comes after the announcement from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) last Friday (Aug 9), which states that a new malware shielding feature would be introduced to several Malaysian mobile banking apps.
In an update to its website, Maybank states that MAE will now “automatically detect malware or risky permission settings upon launching of the app”.
It further says the feature, which is rolling out progressively from Aug 11 to all MAE app users, is intended to protect users from unauthorised transactions and safeguard their online banking experience.
If a user opens the MAE app with a malicious app installed on their device, they will be shown a notice that the anti-malware tool has identified a threat, along with a list of the suspicious apps.
Following detection, users will then be prevented from logging in on the app, rendering it unusable until the detected malicious app is uninstalled and MAE is restarted.
MAE will also monitor when setttings such as developer mode or accessibility mode are enabled on a device.
The bank warns that keeping them enabled results in users being left more vulnerable to scammers, as they allow for the installation of unverified apps, circumvention of security features, and obscuring of social engineering attacks that aim to gain control over a device.
While Maybank recommends disabling these modes for better security, it is not mandatory, with users still being able to use the app without turning them off.
In LifestyleTech’s tests, the malware detection feature's rollout appears to still be in progress, with no notification of developer mode risks appearing despite the device having it enabled.
It is worth noting that the new feature will not be making its way to the old Maybank2u MY app, which is slated to be discontinued on Aug 28.
