Amid the growing threat of high-tech crimes with increasingly sophisticated methods and tactics, Agribank has proactively implemented a comprehensive set of solutions to enhance the safety and security of online banking services, strictly complying with new regulations issued by the State Bank of Vietnam. These efforts aim to safeguard customers’ interests while contributing to the development of a secure and sustainable digital transaction environment.

On December 31, 2025, the State Bank of Vietnam issued Circular No. 77/2025/TT-NHNN, amending and supplementing several provisions of Circular No. 50/2024/TT-NHNN on security and safety in the provision of online services in the banking sector. This circular is considered an important safeguard that strengthens technical requirements for digital banking services in the context of increasingly sophisticated cyber fraud and scams, particularly those involving impersonation using artificial intelligence technologies.

One notable requirement of Circular 77 is that credit institutions must deploy biometric spoof detection solutions that meet the international standard ISO 30107 Level 2. This represents a significant upgrade in authentication standards for users conducting digital banking transactions. In addition, mobile banking applications must be capable of automatically detecting and suspending operation if a user’s device fails to meet security requirements, such as devices that have been root- or jailbreak-modified, bootloader unlocked, running in emulator environments, enabling debugging mode, or showing signs of unauthorized system interference. These provisions serve as a technical barrier to prevent hackers from gaining control of banking applications.

Furthermore, credit institutions are required to strictly manage the lifecycle of mobile banking applications, preventing users from downgrading to older versions that may pose security risks. Security vulnerability assessments must also be conducted periodically at least once every three months to ensure systems are regularly reviewed and updated. According to the implementation roadmap, Circular 77 will officially take effect on March 1, 2026, with regulations related to online payments expected to be implemented in phases: from July 2026 for individual customers and from October 2026 for corporate customers.

As one of Vietnam’s leading state-owned commercial banks, Agribank has promptly deployed a range of technical and communication measures to ensure that customers enjoy a secure digital banking experience. In compliance with Circular 77, Agribank has prepared the necessary technological infrastructure and implemented enhanced security and risk management measures for its mobile banking services, including Agribank Plus and Agribank eBanking.

Accordingly, starting from March 1, 2026, Agribank’s mobile banking system will automatically deny access to devices that do not meet security standards or show potential risks, such as rooted or jailbroken devices, devices installed with system-interference software, emulator environments, or tools that may compromise transaction security. To avoid service disruptions, Agribank recommends that customers proactively check their devices and restore them to a secure configuration before using mobile banking services.

In addition to strengthening system security measures, Agribank also advises customers to remain vigilant and regularly update themselves with security alerts through the bank’s official channels. Customers are strongly advised not to disclose personal information, login credentials, OTP codes, or any authentication data to any organization or individual in order to prevent fraud and financial scams.

At the same time, Agribank has introduced the AgriNotify service on its mobile banking platform, enabling the detection and warning of beneficiary accounts suspected of fraudulent activity before customers conduct money transfers. This solution helps customers proactively identify potential fraud risks, thereby enhancing the safety of digital transactions.

The rigorous implementation of new security standards and the proactive adoption of advanced technological solutions demonstrate Agribank’s strong commitment to regulatory compliance and to prioritizing the protection of customers’ assets and data. This also represents an important step for Agribank in maintaining its position as one of Vietnam’s leading commercial banks while contributing to the development of a safe, stable, and sustainable national financial system in the digital era.

Kylie Nguyen