DITO deploys Silent Network Authentication for digital security

Telco firm DITO Telecommunity on Thursday announced the commercial deployment of Silent Network Authentication (SNA) in the Philippines through its partnership with Shush and Twilio. 

This will mark the first implementation of its kind by a telecommunications operator in the country.

This initiative reflects DITO’s continued efforts to strengthen digital security while supporting the growing demand for safer online services. 

“Fraudsters today exploit weaknesses in legacy authentication methods,” Atty. Adel Tamano, Chief Commercial Officer of DITO Telecommunity, said in a press release.

“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,” he added. 

The partnership allows DITO to offer network authentication services, which will enable digital platforms to verify users directly through the mobile network, reducing reliance on traditional authentication methods such as the SMS one-time passwords (OTPs).

The deployment was cited during the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona as part of the session “Network APIs, from 1 to 47: How DITO, Twilio and Shush are Delivering Real Results.”

SNA enables platforms to verify users automatically through the mobile network, removing the need for manual code entry while enhancing protection against fraud and SIM-swap attacks.

Through its integration with DITO’s network infrastructure, Twilio enables enterprises – including banks, fintech companies, and digital platforms – to access authentication capabilities using 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.

DITO, meanwhile, said interest in network authentication services is already emerging from financial institutions and digital platforms seeking stronger protection for mobile transactions.

“We are working closely with partners in the financial sector and across the digital ecosystem,” Tamano said.

“Our goal is to ensure that DITO becomes recognized as the most secure SIM in the Philippines for mobile banking and digital services,” he added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News