NPCI Master Circular: SIM & Device Binding Security Controls
Safeguard your Stock Trading Mobile Apps with Mobile App Security Controls
NPCI Enhances Security with New SIM and Device Binding Controls
In a bid to fortify the security infrastructure of digital transactions, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has recently added a new set of robust security controls for SIM and Device Binding. These measures aim to enhance the authentication and authorization processes, ensuring a more secure and reliable ecosystem for digital payments. The need for compliance by the regulators and the ever-emerging threat scenarios has put organisations to explore a cost-effective, easy-to-integrate, and quickly deployable solution. Thereby, to address this, AppBind is built in an easy-to-plug SDK format to amalgamate with your current mobile application and is designed to enhance the user experience by requiring lesser inputs and providing greater security with a Zero Trust approach.
Capabilities
Features
Check SIM State
PSPs must verify SIM/eSIM is active on devices before allowing UPI to ensure secure, validated transactions.
Device Binding Disallowed on Airplane Mode
NPCI blocks device binding if the mobile is in Airplane Mode to prevent insecure registrations.
Device Binding completion in the same session
Binding must finish in one go; app rejects if user switches app or delays, per NPCI rules.
Device Binding Disallowed on multiple short codes
Binding fails if same token comes from different numbers via same shortcode.
Wi - Fi Mode
Device binding allowed only if SIM/eSIM is active—even if Wi-Fi is on—ensuring Telco verification.
Multiple Device Binding Limits
More than 3 tokens during registration locks device ID for 24 hours to limit misuse.
Dynamic SMS Token
Each registration gets a new token; PSP must invalidate tokens sent to virtual mobile numbers.
Length of Device Binding String
Token must be 35+ characters long with alphanumeric and special characters for stronger security.
SMS Token Expiry
Token must expire in 45 sec or less; PSP can lower this time if misuse is suspected.
Allowing Device Binding only for Latest App Versions
Device binding allowed only on latest app version; users must upgrade if outdated.
Private API Solution for iOS
iOS apps must use private API to prevent users editing token/SMS during registration.
Customer on-boarding on iOS/Android based Devices
Allowed only on iPhones (iOS 17+) and Android (API 23+); older devices not supported.
Application to check for successful SMS Sent check
App must confirm SMS sent/OTP auto-read during registration on Android and iOS.
VMN Binding for SMS Token
Token should be sent to any of 10+ random VMNs; series/repeating VMNs not allowed.
CompliSecure
Why NPCI Requires SIM & Device Binding
Enhanced Fraud Prevention
Enhanced Fraud Prevention uses AI and real-time monitoring to detect anomalies, block fraud instantly, and protect against financial threats.
Stronger Data Protection
Stronger Data Protection uses encryption, access controls, and threat detection to prevent breaches and ensure data security, integrity, and compliance.
Proactive Threat Monitoring
Proactive Threat Monitoring uses AI and real-time analysis to detect risks, prevent attacks, and ensure security, compliance, and business continuity.
Regulatory Compliance & Trust
Regulatory Compliance & Trust ensures adherence to standards, reduces risk, and builds confidence through transparency, security, and ethical practices.
Avoid Regulatory Penalties & Business Restrictions
Ensure compliance with industry standards, legal frameworks, and security protocols to avoid penalties, fines, and disruptions, safeguarding business growth and long-term success
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