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Banking Apps Safer for UPI Than Google Pay, PhonePe, Says Cyber Expert : As digital payments become a daily habit across India, concerns over cyber fraud are also rising. While most users rely on third-party UPI platforms like Google Pay and PhonePe, cyber expert Amit Dubey says banking apps offer stronger security and faster grievance resolution.According to Dubey, third-party apps act only as a middleman between the user and NPCI, with the actual transaction processed through the banking network. In case of fraud or a technical glitch, these apps have limited control and users may struggle to get timely assistance. Banking apps, by contrast, are directly linked to the bank’s core system, enabling the bank to act immediately on complaints and improve the chances of recovering lost funds.
Why Banking Apps Have an Edge on Security
The key difference lies in control and structure. Third-party apps primarily transmit payment requests to NPCI and often feature cashback offers and promotional links — channels that cybercriminals frequently exploit for phishing attacks. Banking apps, however, typically avoid such ads, reducing exposure to suspicious links and scams.Dubey highlighted this in a viral video, noting that the absence of marketing clutter in banking apps makes them less vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Full UPI Access, Faster Than Before
A common misconception is that banking apps offer limited UPI functionality. In reality, almost all public and private banks now provide complete UPI services within their official apps, from bill payments and mobile recharges to merchant QR scans. Many have also streamlined the process with quick UPI features that don’t require repeated logins. ICICI Bank’s iMobile app, for instance, now offers an easy UPI option for faster transactions.
The Trade-Offs
Banking apps do come with some limitations. Users with accounts in multiple banks may need to download and manage separate apps for each. Cashbacks and rewards are also fewer compared to third-party platforms, and some government banks may still require a branch visit for app activation.Despite these drawbacks, experts believe the security advantage outweighs the convenience gap. They advise users to always download official banking apps, avoid clicking on unknown links, and never share banking details over calls or messages.For everyday transactions, the shift back to banking apps could be a prudent move in an era where digital convenience and cyber safety must go hand in hand.
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