Mobile Banking is a very useful tool. By using common sense, it can also be a safe and secure part of your daily life. The most important step in Mobile Banking security is treating your mobile device like a portable computer. A few precautions will help protect you from fraud and theft:
- Set the phone to require a password to access. If it’s lost or stolen, any confidential information stored on the device will be more difficult to access.
- When using the online banking via mobile Web, don’t let it automatically log you in to your online banking. Otherwise, if your phone is lost or stolen, someone could have free access to your money. Note: Our mobile app will not allow you to automatically log in without entering your password.
- Don’t save your password, account number, PIN, answers to secret questions or other such information on the mobile device.
- Immediately tell your bank and mobile carrier if you lose your phone. The sooner you report the loss, the better protected you are from fraudulent transactions.
- Download and install antivirus software for your mobile device, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Be careful when downloading apps. Downloads should always be from a trusted and approved source, and endorsed by your mobile device provider.
- Avoid “free offers” and “free ringtones”. An email or instant message that offers free software downloads, such as ringtones, may contain viruses or malware.
- Be cautious of email or text messages from unknown sources asking you to update, validate, or confirm your personal details including password and account information. Don’t reply to text messages from people or places you don’t know.
- Treat your mobile device as carefully you would your wallet, cash, or credit cards.
- Keep track of account transactions. Review your bank activity as regularly as possible to rule our the chances of fraudulent transactions. If you notice discrepancies, contact your bank immediately.
- Only use Wi-Fi on your device when connected to password protected hotspots. Turn off any auto-connect features. They might cause your device to log into insecure wireless networks without your knowledge.
- Make sure you log out of social networking sites and online banking when you’ve finished using them.
- Install operating system updates for your device as they become available–they often include security updates.
- Before you upgrade or recycle your device, delete all personal/business details.
