Your smart phone can make life a little more convenient by providing access to oodles of information with just a few quick taps of your fingers. But it can also make it easier for cyber criminals to access your personal and financial information. Safeguard your data with these helpful tips.
- Log out of all apps and services, especially banking and credit card apps and websites when you’re done. True, most financial apps have an automatic timeout function (like the First Internet Bank mobile app+!), but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
- Download all apps from official app stores such as Google Play or Apple. Third party apps can contain viruses or malware that gathers your information without your knowledge.
- Keep apps and software up to date. Sure, those update pop-ups can be annoying, but new vulnerabilities are discovered and patched every day. Every app has the potential to compromise your data, so if you aren’t using an app, err on the side of caution and delete it!
- Lock it up. Set your phone to auto lock at the shortest interval in case you forget to lock your phone after use. Also, have strong, unique passwords for all of your apps.
- Limit your ad tracking by activating the ad blocker function in your privacy settings. This won’t limit the ads you receive, but it will reduce the data being pulled from your phone to target ads specifically to you.
- Beware of public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi is easier for hackers to access, so it’s best to avoid public Wi-Fi networks for banking, shopping or to send any other sensitive information.
- Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) if you DO need to use public Wi-Fi. This mimics a private network, and offers added security. Multiple VPN apps are available via the Apple app store or Google Play for free or low cost. Read the reviews and decide what’s right for you.
Though some of these tips might seem like extra work, in the age of instant information, a little bit of precaution can prevent a whole lot of headaches and heartache.
Of course, if you think your banking information has been compromised via your smart phone (or any other way), contact one of our Relationship Bankers right away at bank@firstib.com or 1-888-873-3424. We’re here to help!
