Valor: The World’s First Voice-Activated Panic Super App for Personal Security

Imagine this: a perpetrator is holding a gun to your head, attempting to force you to unlock your banking app using facial recognition. In a situation like this, it’s nearly impossible to open a manual panic button on your phone, let alone recall the manual PIN code for your banking and phone apps. This is where Valor steps in – the only voice-activated panic Super App, created by BYY Strategic Services.

“Valor is the future of personal security,” says Amanda Rogaly, CEO of BYY Strategic Services. “It is the world’s first patented voice-activated panic Super App, not only in South Africa but globally.”

Rogaly explains that voice activation significantly enhances safety. “Since the app is voice-activated, you can notify our armed response and medical emergency teams the moment you sense a threat or danger, minimizing the chances of abduction, theft, or other serious crimes,” she adds.

She further points out that while the number of panic and security apps has surged due to increasing crime rates, many of these apps still have significant limitations. For instance, a criminal is unlikely to wait while their victim struggles to access their phone and press a panic button before carrying out the crime. Additionally, under extreme stress, it’s common for individuals to forget important details such as PIN numbers or manual codes for their phone or banking apps.

Rogaly explains that after users (on both iOS and Android devices) download the Valor Super App, they set a custom “panic” command phrase. This phrase is meant for use in potentially dangerous or high-alert situations. “All you need to do is say the phrase, and your phone will send response teams to your exact real-time location. The control room will also listen to the ambient sounds through the app to assess your situation, providing information to emergency and armed response services while they are en route to your exact location.”

The app’s real-time tracking feature provides a safety net, even in situations where a user might feel uneasy, such as when using e-hailing services, which have recently faced scrutiny due to crimes committed against passengers by drivers.

Additionally, the app notifies your bank if your safety is compromised, alerting fraud departments so they can initiate measures to protect the banking accounts linked to your phone. This feature not only makes Valor an essential tool for the security industry but also valuable to the banking industry.

“While facial recognition was initially seen as a significant breakthrough for banking and security, the reality is that criminals can access victims’ bank accounts simply by holding the phone to their faces – but Valor now offers a solution that reduces the financial impact of unauthorized account access,” Rogaly explains.

She adds that establishing service provider relationships is crucial to this offering. BYY Strategic Services has partnered with several South African banks to protect their customers. It has also collaborated with South Africa’s largest emergency control room, enabling users to receive immediate support from over 22,000 security and emergency responders nationwide. All control room agents are highly trained and multilingual, which is an advantage in a world increasingly dependent on AI and bots.

“While Valor uses AI to educate and support users, when it comes to something as vital as your safety, many people prefer to speak with a human who can establish a connection and offer greater trust and reliability,” Rogaly comments.

The Valor Super App is designed with a focus on speed and simplicity, making it incredibly user-friendly – even in high-stress situations.

“We’re particularly proud that every aspect of this app is Proudly South African, from the concept’s development to its design and build. Moreover, BYY Strategic Services, the company behind Valor, is entirely women-owned and -managed,” Rogaly says. The Valor Super App patent was filed in both South Africa and internationally in 2023, showcasing a forward-thinking approach that was ahead of its time.

“It’s a tragic reality that many South Africans live with the fear of theft or even abduction for ransom. At the same time, banks can no longer rely solely on facial recognition to protect clients from having their money stolen; they must take proactive steps to safeguard their customers. Valor acts as a personal, voice-activated command center, protecting the safety of your entire family with nothing more than your own superhero voice,” Rogaly concludes.

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