How to Safeguard Your Finances on Mobile Devices (2024)

LAST UPDATED: NOV 08, 2023

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

In this guide, you will learn:

  • Is Mobile Banking Safe on iPhone / Android Phone?
  • The Risks of Mobile Banking
  • How to Stay Safe on Banking Apps

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 VPN Proxy One Pro to turn any public hotspot into a secure WiFi.

How to Safeguard Your Finances on Mobile Devices (1)

GUARD YOURSELF AGAINST SCAMS!

Discover how to protect yourself from scams, online fraud, and dive into essential topics to protect your digital identity, and care for your devices.

Visit our 👉 Cybersecurity Learning Center! 👈

How helpful was this article?

  • It was very unhelpful.

  • It was not helpful.

  • Just okay.

  • It was helpful.

  • It was very helpful.

Thank you for your feedback!

Feedback entity isn't available at the moment. Try again later.

How to Safeguard Your Finances on Mobile Devices (2024)

FAQs

How to Safeguard Your Finances on Mobile Devices? ›

One of the most prevalent mobile security myths is that mobile devices are inherently more secure than traditional endpoints like desktops and laptops. But this is a dangerous misconception — mobile devices simply have a different set of vulnerabilities that leave them open to a variety of cybersecurity risks.

How do we keep mobile accounting secure? ›

In this article:
  1. Be Careful When Downloading Apps.
  2. Don't Click on Unexpected Links.
  3. Keep Your Device and Apps Updated.
  4. Be Cautious When Using Public Wi-Fi.
  5. Automatically Turn off and Lock Your Device.
  6. Use Basic Security Measures to Stay Safe on Every Platform.
Jan 23, 2024

How do I keep my mobile banking safe? ›

How to use mobile banking safely
  1. Don't lose your phone. ...
  2. Use the official banking app, not the browser. ...
  3. Don't just follow any link you see. ...
  4. Don't use mobile banking on public Wi-Fi. ...
  5. Use strong passwords and 2FA. ...
  6. Use antivirus software with malware and phishing protection. ...
  7. Keep your software up to date.
Dec 20, 2023

What are ways people can protect their checking account when using online and mobile banking? ›

Ways to protect your online banking information
  1. Password-protect all banking access. ...
  2. Choose strong and unique passwords. ...
  3. Enable two-factor authentication. ...
  4. Log out when you finish banking. ...
  5. Avoid public Wi-Fi. ...
  6. Don't use a shared computer. ...
  7. Sign up for banking alerts. ...
  8. Guard against phishing scams.
Oct 14, 2023

What are three ways you can protect your personal financial information from being hacked? ›

Here are seven ways to help protect your most sensitive personal information:
  • Change your passwords frequently. ...
  • Use passphrases instead of passwords. ...
  • Avoid public Wi-Fi. ...
  • Limit social media sharing. ...
  • Avoid clicking on links from unfamiliar emails and text messages. ...
  • Never give personal data over the phone.

Which method can be used to secure the mobile devices? ›

Mobile Device Security Best Practices
  • Enable user authentication.
  • Use a password manager.
  • Always run updates.
  • Avoid public wi-fi.
  • Enable remote lock.
  • Cloud backups.
  • Use MDM/MAM.
Jan 3, 2024

How secure are mobile devices? ›

One of the most prevalent mobile security myths is that mobile devices are inherently more secure than traditional endpoints like desktops and laptops. But this is a dangerous misconception — mobile devices simply have a different set of vulnerabilities that leave them open to a variety of cybersecurity risks.

How do I safeguard online banking? ›

7 Tips for Safe Online Banking
  1. Selecting a strong password. ...
  2. Never share your password. ...
  3. Avoid phishing e-mails. ...
  4. Use your own computer/laptop. ...
  5. Use licensed Anti-Virus software. ...
  6. Register for account notifications. ...
  7. Type the URL of your bank.

Which is safer, online banking or mobile apps? ›

So, is Mobile Banking Safer than Online Banking? Whether you choose mobile banking or online banking, you can be confident that your bank has invested in the security of these services. However, mobile banking is a little safer when it comes to security, mainly because this type of banking does not store any data.

How do you care while using mobile banking? ›

Safety Tips To Remember for Mobile Banking:

Set a strong Pin/password to access your mobile device and clear junk messages regularly. Do not click on a URL link received in a text message if you are not sure about its authenticity.

What is the safest device to do online banking? ›

You don't know who has access to the network traffic and whether they can view the data you send. For better online banking security, Marchini advises using your cellular network.

How can I protect my financial privacy? ›

The following tips can help.
  1. #1 – Use strong passwords. ...
  2. #2 – Keep your operating system and software up to date. ...
  3. #3 – Never click on suspicious emails. ...
  4. #4 – Don't share personal information over public Wi-Fi connections. ...
  5. #5 – Maintain security software. ...
  6. #6 – Shred financial documents. ...
  7. #7 – Monitor your accounts.
Feb 13, 2023

Can I get my money back if my bank account is hacked? ›

Your bank should refund any money stolen from you as a result of fraud and identity theft. They should do this as soon as possible - ideally by the end of the next working day after you report the problem.

Can someone hack my bank account with my phone number and email? ›

A phone number alone is not enough for someone to hack your bank account. But, as outlined above with regard to someone having your email address, someone with your phone number could potentially call or text you as part of a phishing scam with the ultimate aim of hacking money from your accounts.

What are 5 ways you can avoid being hacked? ›

5 Ways to Avoid the Risk of Being Hacked
  • Use strong passwords. You're at a greater risk of being hacked if you use basic passwords for your important accounts. ...
  • Enable two-factor authentication. ...
  • Avoid linking accounts. ...
  • Train your team. ...
  • Never leave your laptop or mobile phone unattended. ...
  • Conclusion.

What are four ways to be careful online? ›

  • online.
  • 4 EASY WAYS.
  • Recognize & report phishing.
  • Most successful online intrusions result from a recipient of a “phishing” message accidentally downloading malware or giving their personal information to a spammer. ...
  • Use strong passwords.
  • Simple passwords can be guessed. ...
  • Turn on multifactor authentication (MFA)

Why are mobile payments secure? ›

Mobile wallets secure a user's credit or debit card information through highly-advanced methods of encryption and tokenization. Encryption is a security feature that uses a secret key to ensure private information is only accessible to the sending and receiving parties.

How do I keep my financial information safe online? ›

How to Protect your Money Online
  1. Don't assume links are genuine. ...
  2. Beware of fake communications. ...
  3. Check the URL. ...
  4. Use encryption. ...
  5. Use your own computer — and your own Internet connection. ...
  6. Don't use your main credit card or debit card. ...
  7. Learn from other people's experiences. ...
  8. Be wary of potentially untrustworthy sites.

How can we prevent mobile theft? ›

On an Android phone: Go to Settings > Lock Screen > Secure Lock Settings > and toggle the Auto Factory Reset option to switch it on. (These steps were tested on a Samsung Galaxy S21. The labels may vary slightly on other Android models.) On an iPhone: Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 5642

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Birthday: 1995-01-14

Address: 55021 Usha Garden, North Larisa, DE 19209

Phone: +6812240846623

Job: Corporate Healthcare Strategist

Hobby: Singing, Listening to music, Rafting, LARPing, Gardening, Quilting, Rappelling

Introduction: My name is Foster Heidenreich CPA, I am a delightful, quaint, glorious, quaint, faithful, enchanting, fine person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.