Why security in digital banking is more than just a safe

A simple question, a complex answer

While preparing for my presentation, my son asked me 

A simple question, a complex answer

While preparing for my presentation, my son asked me an insightful question: “Why do banks still need safes if all the money is in your app?” It was a simple question, but it made me pause.

How do you explain the complexity of digital banking security to a six-year-old? The truth is, while the physical safes of the past may be fading, today’s banks are filled with digital “safes” with layers of protection built into every part of the platform.

In this session at the ebankIT Summit, I had the opportunity to walk through how we approach security at ebankIT, not just as a feature, but as a mindset.

From secure coding practices and adaptive authentication to real-time monitoring and flexible integrations, our goal is to build trust into every interaction.

Because in today’s world, security isn’t something you buy once, it’s something you live and breathe with every release, every decision, and every customer experience.

The reality of modern banking security

The reality is that today’s banking threats don’t come through the front door, they come through the app. Attackers aren’t blowing up safes anymore; they’re exploiting weak points in digital platforms, tricking users, and bypassing traditional defenses.

That’s why platform-level security is more important than ever. It’s where most breaches happen, and it’s where we focus our efforts.

At ebankIT, we take a layered, user-centric approach to security.

It starts with a secure codebase. Every line of code we ship is tested, reviewed, and aligned with industry best practices. We follow secure coding playbooks from OWASP and major providers like Microsoft, Google, and Apple.

Our development process is backed by certifications such as ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type 2, and CMMI-DEV Level 2, and we regularly undergo external assessments to ensure our platform is resilient and compliant.

But security isn’t just about code. It’s about trust. That’s why we embed identity-first access, session awareness, and adaptive authentication into the user journey.

We also work closely with trusted security partners to extend our capabilities in areas like fraud detection, AML, and risk scoring. And because every bank is different, our platform is flexible enough to integrate with your preferred security vendors, giving you full control over your ecosystem.

Ultimately, our goal is to make security seamless, scalable, and sustainable, so that your users feel safe, and your teams can focus on delivering great digital experiences.

Key security features in action

Security isn’t just about what happens behind the scenes, but it’s also about the tools and features that users interact with every day.

At ebankIT, we’ve built a range of practical, user-facing security features that help protect both individuals and institutions.

For example, users can manage their trusted devices directly from the app, revoking access to old phones or unfamiliar logins. Security alerts notify users of sensitive actions like password changes or new device connections. Even personalization plays a role in security: a dashboard that reflects your name, layout, and widgets is harder to spoof or replicate.

We also support adaptive authentication flows, which respond to context. The system can trigger additional verification steps like OTPs or biometric checks if a transaction is initiated from an unusual location or device.

We offer tailored controls for retail and corporate users, such as transaction limits, user entitlements, and approval workflows. With our Command Centre, banks can monitor failed transactions and alert the right teams in real time.

We know that no single platform can cover every security need. That’s why ebankIT is designed to be flexible and open, allowing banks to integrate their preferred security vendors and tools. Whether it’s AML, fraud detection, risk scoring, or other specialized services, our platform can connect with your existing ecosystem.

We also work closely with a network of trusted partners to complement our core security offering, but we don’t lock you into any specific provider. This flexibility ensures that your institution can evolve its security strategy over time, without being limited by the platform.

Building trust for the long run

If there’s one message I hope you take away from this, it’s that security is not a one-time purchase. It’s not a feature you check off a list.

It’s a mindset, a process, and a responsibility that must be embedded in every product release, every business decision, and every customer interaction.

At ebankIT, we understand that building secure digital banking experiences requires ongoing effort, collaboration, and vigilance.

We’re committed to working alongside our customers and partners to evolve, adapt, and strengthen our platform because trust is earned over time, and security is the foundation that supports it.

We’re here for the long run, and we’re proud to help shape a future where digital banking is not only innovative and user-friendly but also resilient, secure, and built on trust.