Alfa Bank changes SMS to USSD messages

Alfa-Bank continues to redo Alfa-Click: now there is a warning for users that soon one-time passwords will be sent to users not by SMS, but transmitted via USSD.



There is also a reasoning for the innovation:

• USSD is a more secure channel for sending one-time passwords than SMS.
• USSD message with a one-time password come almost instantly.
• The USSD message will immediately appear on the screen of your phone - there is no need to go to the SMS section.
• A USSD message with a one-time password is not stored in the phone and, accordingly, does not “litter” your important SMS history from Alfa-Bank.

They honestly warn about the disadvantages of the USSD:
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• If you close, then the message will disappear permanently (not saved anywhere) - you will need to re-request the password.
• On the phone with the IOS operating system, which is in "sleep mode", the USSD message will not come. You will need to request a password again. It is better to keep the phone active at the time of receiving a one-time password.
• Depending on the phone model and operating system installed, a USSD message may come without sound. It can not be configured.
• Currently, one-time USSD passwords will be sent only to Beeline, MTS, Megafon subscribers. For subscribers of other operators one-time passwords will come in the form of SMS-messages.
• When you re-request a password, it will also come in an SMS message.

At the same time, the most important minus was clearly left unrecorded: USSD messages are displayed even on a locked screen in open form (at least on Android 5) - which means that anyone who got access to the phone, even the blocked one, has an account owner in the “Click” ( for example, when he simply lies on the table in your absence), he will be able to dispose of him as his own.

You can refuse this innovation, although it is not too simple: you need to send your full name, date of birth and phone number to pass@alfabank.ru or call 8 (800) 200-00-00 or +7 (495) 78-888 -78.