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In this guide, you will learn:

Is Mobile Banking Safe on iPhone / Android Phone?

Mobile banking can be safe on both iPhone and Android phones, it has built-in security features, regular security updates to protect you against malware or unauthorized access but it also has potential risks depending on how informed you are.

Here are the reasons behind its safety:

  • Mobile banking apps use encryption protocols to secure data transmission between your device and the banking servers to protect your information from unauthorized access.
  • It supports biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or face recognition, which adds an extra layer of security.
  • Mobile banking apps often provide the option to enable 2FA, requiring an additional verification step for added security.

Risks of Mobile Banking

It can be a potential risk if:

  • Device is not protected with strong passwords.
  • Device is lost or stolen and not properly secured, someone may have access to your mobile banking app and potentially misuse your sensitive information.
  • Users may be vulnerable to downloading malicious apps that imitate legitimate banking apps.
  • Users connect to unsecure public Wi-Fi networks or compromised networks that can expose the mobile banking activities to hacking attempts.

How to Stay Safe on Banking Apps

Use Strong Passwords

  • Make sure that your password is at least 12 characters long which includes a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
  • Avoid using personal information on your passwords such as name or birth date because it can be easily guessed.
  • Practice having different passwords for each of your bank accounts to ensure the security of your other accounts if one gets compromised.
  • Generate strong, complex passwords using a good password generator like Trend Micro Password Generator for enhanced security.
  • Change your passwords regularly.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-Factor Authentication can enhance the security of your mobile banking app. The steps on enabling this may vary depending on your bank app.

  1. Log in to your existing account within the banking app.
  2. Go to the banking app settings and look for the additional security or verification methods then select multi-factor authentication (MFA) or Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
  3. Select the desired verification methods such as:
    1. SMS/text message verification: Enter your mobile phone number to receive a verification code via SMS.
    2. Email verification: Enter your email address to receive a verification code via email.
    3. Authenticator app: Set up an authenticator app (such as Google Authenticator) and scan the QR code provided by the app. The authenticator app will generate verification codes.
    4. Biometric verification: If your device supports it, you may have the option to use fingerprint or face recognition as an additional verification method.
  4. Depending on the method chosen, you may be required to enter a verification code or complete additional steps to complete the setup. Then, follow the on-screen instructions.
  5. Once the multi-factor authentication is enabled, you should be prompted to provide the additional verification method whenever you log in to your account.

Keep Your Mobile Banking App Updated

Follow these steps to keep them updated depending on which device you use:

For iPhones
  1. Go to the App Store.
  2. Tap your profile icon, then scroll down until you see the Available Updates section.
  3. Look for your banking app, then tap the Update button.

If you want to set up the updates automatically for all your apps, go to Settings app, then look for App Store and turn on the App Updates option. This way, your apps will be updated automatically whenever updates are available.

For Android phones
  1. Go to the Play Store app.
  2. Tap your profile icon, then tap Manage apps & device.
  3. Go to the Manage tab, look for your banking app.
  4. Tap the banking app, then select Update.

If you want to set up the updates automatically for all your apps, click your profile icon, then select Settings. Under the Network preference, you can choose Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only or Auto-update apps at any time based on your preference.

Secure Wi-Fi and Mobile Networks

  • Always connect to a secure Wi-Fi which can be insecure and susceptible to hacking. Use your mobile data instead of public Wi-Fi networks.
  • Enable WPA2 or WPA3 encryption on your Wi-Fi network for secure data transmission, safeguarding your information from unauthorized interception.
  • If you use your mobile device as a hotspot, turn it off when not in use to prevent unauthorized connections.
  • Be cautious when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. Use Trend Micro VPN to turn any public hotspot into a secure WiFi.

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Keywords: mobile banking, mobile banking security, iPhone banking app, Android banking app, mobile banking safety, safeguard finances, secure mobile transactions, strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, mobile app updates, secure Wi-Fi, secure networks
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