BHIM App- is it Safe?

Security concerns around digital payments hover over all the time.  BHIM App was showcased as flagship initiative of the Digital India movement. This is in the year 2016 when a move like BHIM was brainstormed. With high overall coverage, over 3 million downloads can be noted. The number of users is surely to go up!

Technology used for BHIM is Superlative Yet Simple.

BHIM as a concept is purely based on UPI (Unified Payments Interface) focusing majorly on the safety acts to maintain the committed level of security and safety. Many security issues needed to be fixed to make the App more reliable and trustworthy. NPCI (National Payments Council of India) had taken a step back and re looked at what is required to be done.  However, This App has brought in the finest level of security in the system for improved transactions. The cyber security assessment of the UPI library has been an ongoing activity and how it further affects the net banking apps using UPI.

Security Levels In BHIM App

The BHIM App has 3 main levels of security as shown below:

The 1st level of check with the BHIM App is encountered when the app is opened. The device ID and mobile number get linked up. You are very instantly asked to enter a PIN number to unlock and view the app.

The 2^nd level of security is witnessed at the time of authentication that takes place between the bank and users per se. The mobile number must always be registered beforehand. This is actually called the OTP ( One time password)  

The 3^rd level is the security linked to the UPI PIN which is decided upon by the user and needed for every transaction conducted with the BHIM app. The authentication and authorization takes place only through UPI servers.

Also Read: DIGITAL WALLETS: WHEN THE MONEY GOES DIGITAL