With the release of our Online Banking apps, we want to make sure members are aware of the potential risks involved in using a smart phone to access personal information.

We will use this page to share helpful information concerning smart phone security.

SMART PHONE SECURITY TIPS

Smartphone’s have become a convenient way to access the internet away from home. Unfortunately this means Droids, iPhones, Blackberrys or any other Smartphone are inevitably being targeted by scammers. To keep personal information safe and secure when using a Smartphone, users should:

Never store personal information on a smartphone
Many phones today have applications or settings within the phone that allows the owner to store personal information, PIN numbers, and even passwords.  Although this procedure may seem safe and secure, criminals know what to look for and where. It’s best to keep these off computers and phones.  This includes applications that remember them automatically.

Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use
The entry point to a smartphone is through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.  This means the most common way a phone can be threatened is by downloading detrimental software (malware) concealed in a file or application.  When these applications or files are running, they are continually scanning for outside signals trying to connect.  This is where criminals can send malware to the smartphones and connect to the device without the owner’s knowledge. Once connected, they can steal delicate information. This also goes for “tethering”, which is an application on the smartphone that allows you to have full internet access on your laptop anywhere using a smartphone’s data plan.

Only use Wi-Fi hot spots that are reputable and password protected
Connecting to different Wi-Fi hotspots is risky because users are completely dependent on the security of the host network they connect to.  Unsecured networks, or the ones users can use for free, can be dangerous.  Scammers have the ability to hijack these networks, give the network a similar name and fool users into connecting to theirs instead.  Once users are connected to their network, scammers can create false websites, tricking users to disclose personal information.

Limit the amount of personal information on the phone
It’s not only banking details criminals want, but other information that can be used to commit fraud.  For example, they could apply for credit cards, personal loans and even mortgages with users’ credentials.

Create security features on the smartphone
Every smartphone has the ability to create a password before entering into the phone’s programs.  This can be very useful for protecting personal data, especially if someone loses their phone.  It may be an inconvenience at times, but these physical security propositions can give you a defense and keep all your personal information safe.

Make sure to delete all personal details if selling or discarding a smartphone
Users sometimes don’t understand how much of their personal information gets stored on their phones over time. Before discarding or selling a phone, it is very important to delete all and everything that could have personal data on it. This may include saved messages, emails, photographs and contact details.

Activate smartphone security software
There are security software and applications for smartphones which are readily available.  It’s important if installing these protections to keep them up to date. It’s also essential to make sure the smartphone security settings and password protection are activated within the phone.  

Download and install a locator phone application
It could be very stressful to lose a phone, knowing all the information and personal data built up on it over time.  There are applications that allow users to locate their smartphone once it is lost or stolen. There are also applications that will wipe all memory off the phone with the click of a button on a computer.