What You Need to Know: BPI’s New App Update Boosts Cybersecurity Features

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has launched a new mobile app update aimed at enhancing digital banking security.

Released in late July 2025, version 13.1 of the BPI app introduces new security protocols to detect and block unauthorized access and suspicious background activity.

The update is now available for iOS, Android, and Huawei users, and adds protections that prevent potential app interference.

BPI’s Head of Consumer Platforms Fitzgerald Chee said the upgrades are part of the bank’s continuous push to provide secure and seamless banking experiences.

Some users—particularly on Android—may experience security alerts like “device security compromised” if potential threats are detected.

BPI explained that certain third-party apps, such as anti-virus software with full-screen overlay permissions, could conflict with the new security features.

To resolve this, Android users are advised to disable overlays by going to Settings > Apps > selecting the antivirus app > and turning off overlay permissions.

Samsung users are also encouraged to use the built-in Secure Folder feature to isolate the BPI app and improve security.

To activate Secure Folder, users must navigate to Settings > Biometrics and Security > Secure Folder, then log in with their Samsung account and set a lock type.

After activating Secure Folder, users should add the BPI app inside it and always launch the app from within the secure space.

Cybersecurity incidents involving banking apps have surged globally, with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) previously noting a rise in phishing and mobile fraud attempts since 2020.

In 2022 alone, the BSP reported over P1 billion in financial losses tied to digital fraud, prompting banks like BPI to double down on security investments.

BPI encourages all users to update their app to version 13.1 and follow the necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted access.

Clients experiencing issues or needing help can contact BPI through their website or customer support hotlines.