A decade or two ago, a phone was just a phone. You could pick it up, make a call, leave a message, and if you were really fancy, you had “call waiting” or “caller ID.” These days, your phone is so much more! It can serve as your phone, a computer, a camera, a pedometer, a GPS navigation system and your own personal, pocket-sized Members Exchange Credit Union branch!
Your phone holds a lot of information about you. If you lost your phone and a stranger found it, how much personal information could they gather? We’ve created a list to help you secure your phone and personal information. How many of these tips are you following?
12 Mobile Banking Safety Tips:
- Password protect your mobile device AND mobile banking application
- Only download signed applications from trusted sources
- For mobile devices using the Android operating system, do not enable Android’s “install from unknown sources” feature
- Never store usernames and passwords on your mobile device
- Keep your mobile device with you, or secure the device when not in use
- Frequently delete text messages received from the credit union
- Notify the credit union and carrier immediately if your mobile device is lost or stolen so that it can be deactivated
- Do not modify your mobile device as it may disable important security features
- Install antivirus software
- Check your credit union account frequently and notify the credit union of any unauthorized transactions
- Do not respond to text messages requesting personal information, such as Social Security numbers, credit/debit/ATM card numbers, and account numbers
- Adopt safe practices as you do with your personal computer, including not opening attachments or clicking on links contained in emails received from unfamiliar sources
