Mobile Banking Safety Tips
Technology is evolving so rapidly these days, and keeping up with it is more important than ever. Constant innovation is convenient, but it can create opportunities for your personal information to end up in the wrong hands.
Luckily, OE Federal has taken precautions to keep our members safe. When you use safe Mobile Banking practices, you create a barrier that protects you from the loopholes that technological advancements leave behind.
HELPFUL MOBILE SAFETY TIPS
Practice these safety tips when you use your devices so you can enjoy technology’s advances while keeping your information safe and secure.
PASSWORD PROTECT YOUR MOBILE DEVICE A strong password for your mobile device and/or banking application is your first line of defense. If anyone steals your device or tries to hack into it digitally, that trusty number combination or finger pattern can make all the difference.
NEVER CLICK THE “REMEMBER ME” BOX Saving your log-in information is convenient for you. Unfortunately, it’s also convenient for someone who may be trying to access your data. You wouldn’t leave the door to your house wide open; best not to leave the door to your information open either.
CHECK YOUR ACCOUNT FREQUENTLY Monitoring your account regularly will prevent any unknown transactions from slipping through the cracks. Monitoring your privacy settings is important, too. After you update your software, review your privacy settings to make sure people only see what you want them to see.
ENABLE THE SHORTEST AUTO-LOCK TIME Locking your phone adds an extra measure of security in case someone tries to access your information, digitally or physically. The shorter your lock time, the less vulnerable you are during the times your phone is unlocked. DO NOT MODIFY THE DEVICE “Rooting” or “jailbreaking” a phone may seem like a good way to get around your phone’s limitations so you can use third-party software. But tampering with your phone’s security system makes it easier for people to hack into your device. Just say no.
DO NOT USE PUBLIC WIFI TO ACCES YOUR ACCOUNTS If you’re ever tempted to check your bank account on the fly using public WiFi, think again. You don’t know who else is using the same WiFi network, and you don’t know whether or not they can be trusted.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DEVICE IS LOST OR STOLEN If your device is lost or stolen, contact your carrier immediately. Then on your home PC, log in to your Online Banking Account with OE Federal under the Mobile Banking page to ‘Disallow Mobile Access,” This will turn off the Mobile App service on your account. As a fail-safe, you can also download an app that allows you to delete all your data on your phone from a remote location.
LINKS AND ATTACHMENTS One rule of thumb all smartphone owners should implement: never let another person download something on your phone. Even if it seems like harmless image file, it could turn out be a virus that deletes all your phone’s data, or worse, steals it.
DOWNLOAD APPLICATIONS FROM TRUSTED SOURCES Make sure everything you download to your devices is from a trusted source. If you’re downloading an app from an unknown source, that app could contain a virus. Use mainstream App stores like iTunes App Store and Google Play as much as possible to ensure that your apps are above board.
TEXT MESSAGES With OE Federal’s Text Banking feature, you can get fast, convenient responses to your questions. Just make sure you delete these messages as often as possible. This will make your mobile device operate faster and remove any personal data you might not want anyone to see. Remember, OE Federal will never ask for sensitive information through a text message. So if someone asks you for it, it’s not us!
NEVER STORE USERNAMES AND/OR PASSWORDS With all the things we have to remember from day to day, storing your passwords may seem like a no-brainer. But these days, phones are like wallets. You’d never keep your passwords in your wallet. You shouldn’t keep them in your phone either.
INSTALL ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE Just like on your computer, antivirus software can help detect any viruses or other mobile applications that may have a virus. You can find these applications on your devices mobile app store. As always, you should research the app and app creator before downloading the application.
KEEP YOUR MOBILE DEVICE CLOSE Your mobile device is a supercomputer that fits in the palm of your hand. Treat it like one. Keep your device close at hand and, when you’re not using it, stash it somewhere safe.