Maybank is enhancing the Malware Shielding security feature in its MAE banking app to provide stronger protection against malware and other potential security risks. The bank said the enhanced feature is being progressively rolled out from 26 September with MAE app version 0.9.51.
However, the new version has yet to be made available on the Android and iOS app stores as of writing. The latest versions currently listed on Google Play and Apple’s App Store are 0.9.50, so MAE users should keep an eye out for the upcoming update and install it once it becomes available.
More Security Risks Can Now Be Detected
According to Maybank, the enhanced Malware Shielding feature can detect more potential security risks on a user’s device. If a risk is identified, the app will notify the user and provide guidance on the necessary steps to secure the device before they can continue using MAE.
Once the updated app is installed, users will also be prompted to review and agree to the Malware Shielding Terms & Conditions. By tapping “Agree”, users acknowledge that the feature will automatically detect and notify them of potential malware and risky security settings each time they launch the MAE app.
Maybank also stressed that Malware Shielding does not access, collect, process or store personal information from applications installed on the user’s device. The bank said banking information and personal data remain confidential and protected.
MAE Malware Shielding
To recap, Maybank introduced Malware Shielding back in 2024 as a preventive security feature that checks for potential threats whenever users launch the MAE app. It can detect risky or malicious apps, unsafe device settings such as Developer Mode or rooted and jailbroken operating systems, screen sharing and recording, unsafe connections and services, as well as modified versions of the the app.
Depending on the severity of a detected risk, Malware Shielding may notify users, provide instructions for resolving the issue, or restrict access to MAE until the risk has been addressed. Maybank says these measures are intended to reduce the risk of unauthorised access and fraudulent transactions.
The bank also reiterates that the feature does not access personal content such as photos, messages, contacts, videos or documents stored on the device. Maybank recommends that users keep both the MAE app and their device operating system updated to the latest versions as part of its broader security measures.
(Source: Maybank [official website])
