Bank Safely from your Smartphone
Mobile Web and App offers you the convenience of banking on the go, 24/7, all from the convenience of your smartphone. Our mobile solutions provide the highest level of security, however it's important for you to also protect your smartphone. The following are tips for a safe mobile banking experience.
- AntiVirus Protection. Protect your smartphone like you protect your PC. Mobile antivirus and antiphishing tools are a must have app for your smartphone.
- Secure Your Phone. Take the minimal security measure and secure your phone using your phone's screen lock feature. Smart phones offer different methods of screen locks and may include the following: Pattern, PIN, Password or Biometrics. Set your phone to automatically lock after three minutes of non-use. This can most likely be accessed within the security settings of your phone.
- Back Up Your Phone. Your phone contains personal and sensitive information, make sure you back up your information in case it is lost or stolen.
- Phone Locator. In the event your phone is lost or stolen, having a phone locator app installed may help you locate your phone.
- Remote Wipe. If you are unable to recover your lost or stolen phone, with a remote app wipe you can be sure all the sensitive information is wiped from the phone, making the phone's data useless to the individual who finds or stole your phone.
- Update your Operating System. Make sure you have your phone set up to automatically update its' operating system and applications. This should be done regularly to avoid any malicious exploits of security holes with out-of-date version of operating systems, browsers and applications. Contact your cell phone provider if you need assistance automating this process.
Click Here for a list of highly ranked and reviewed mobile security apps. Each of these apps offer both a free and premium version, the premium will normally have a cost associated with it.
Best Practices for Keeping Your Mobile Data Safe
- Wi-Fi & Bluetooth. Don't use public Wi-Fi networks for bank transactions and turn off your Bluetooth connection when not in use. Use Wi-Fi Protected Access-Pre-Shared Key (WPA2-PSK) or stronger Wi-Fi protected access.
- Clean the Screen. This may sound strange, but clean the "grease" off your screen. Would-be hackers can look at the grease trail on the screen and determine probable patterns.
- Encryption. Encrypt your smartphone. Some smartphones have encryption built in, but others will require optional software. Make sure the secure digital (SD) card is encrypted as well.
- Research Applications. Before Installing apps from the app stores, make sure you've done your research. Some stores are good about keeping malware out, but others are not. Read the reviews and search the internet for information about the app.
- Data Storage. As a common practice, don't store data on your smartphone that you cannot afford to lose.