Stay Protected While Banking on the Go
Online banking has quickly become many consumers preferred option for their routine financial needs. While you are likely aware of the many conveniences online banking provides, it’s important to keep in mind that your mobile device needs adequate protection to keep your financial information safe from cybercriminals.
Keep software up-to-date
One of the best actions you can take to secure online banking activities is to ensure that your mobile device and applications are running the latest software. It is recommended that you enable automatic updates to avoid missing a significant upgrade and keep your device performing optimally. Utilizing the most up-to-date software will also provide better protection against fraud.
Look for a secure Wi-Fi network
When you are away from work or your home, it can be tempting to connect to a public Wi-Fi network to save on data usage and improve your internet speed. However, public networks are often significantly less secure than known private networks. For example, cybercriminals can deploy their own public network and make it appear as a legitimate Wi-Fi connection. This type of fraud is known as an “evil twin attack,” and it can capture the data you provide while on an unsecured network and potentially upload malware to your device.
To err on the side of caution, avoid using public Wi-Fi to access your financial accounts and other accounts that require unique credentials, as there is a greater risk for your password and username to be stolen. If you must rely on a public network, try to find a connection listed as “secure” and use multi-factor authentication when possible. Otherwise, consider waiting until you’re on a private network to ensure your data is protected.
Be aware of connected devices
If you have to access a public network, it’s a good idea to think about the other smart devices that may be synced to your mobile device. The number of devices using Internet connectivity has seen tremendous growth, and many of them can tap into features on your mobile device. For instance, most smart watches are connected to your phone via Bluetooth or a Wi-Fi connection and can be linked to your financial accounts through a digital wallet.
The downside to having all your smart devices interconnected is that it provides fraudsters with more entryways to your private information than you may realize. Those same unsecured networks that cybercriminals use to access your data can also target synced devices where security is considerably weaker, resulting in a greater risk of unwanted exposure. Keep this in mind as you decide what devices you want to use and how much information you are comfortable with sharing.
Don’t leave your devices unattended
The easiest and most straightforward way for a criminal to obtain information from your device is to swipe the device itself. Avoid setting your phone down in a busy store or turning your attention to something else, as this could present an opportunity for someone to steal your device and put your sensitive information at risk. If you are in a situation where you cannot bring your devices with you, consider securing them in a private space, like a locker or your vehicle. If a secure space is not an option, ask a known, trusted individual to safeguard your belongings.
Use trusted apps like myTrustmark®
A great way to be more secure when banking online is to use official apps. With myTrustmark, you can enable extra security for your mobile banking activities by setting up biometric authentication through Touch ID or another fingerprint or face-scanning option. These features are easy to use and can significantly reduce the risk of fraud when you need to make payments or transfer funds from your device. You can also set up automatic notifications on your accounts to help make you aware of various banking activities, account login attempts or changes made to your account information. To learn more, visit our Online and Mobile Banking page.
By taking these tips into consideration, you can increase the security of your mobile devices and help keep your private information out of the wrong hands. At Trustmark, we believe the privacy and security of our customers’ information is of utmost importance. Click below to learn more about different types of fraud, what you can do to prevent it and how to report suspicious or suspected fraudulent activity.
