Smart phones add a lot of convenience to everyday life, but they can also add an additional level of risk to businesses and individuals when they are not used securely. Fraudsters are increasing their capacity to steal sensitive information from smart phones and use it for malicious purposes.
While you may be in the know on the latest apps and technology trends, are you staying up to speed on how to protect your smart phone and private information from falling into the wrong hands?
Tips to Help You and Your Business Stay Protected:
- Use the passcode lock on your smart phone and other devices. This will make it more difficult for thieves to access your information if your device is lost or stolen.
- Never let someone you don't know use your mobile device.
- Log out completely when you finish a mobile banking session.
- Take advantage of all mobile banking alerts to monitor account activity while on the go.
- Protect your phone from viruses and malicious software, or malware, just like you do for your computer by installing security software.
- Use caution when downloading apps. Apps can contain malicious software, worms and viruses. Beware of apps that ask for unnecessary "permissions."
- Download updates for your phone and mobile apps so you have the most up to date security features.
- Avoid storing sensitive information like passwords or a Social Security number on your mobile device.
- Wipe your mobile device before you donate, sell or trade it using specialized software or using the manufacturer's recommended technique. Some software allows you to wipe your device remotely if it is lost or stolen.
- Beware of mobile phishing. Any ads, not from your security provider, claiming that your device is infected are likely a phishing attempt.
- Watch out for public Wi-Fi. Public connections aren't very secure, so don't perform banking transactions on a public network. If you need to access your account, try disabling the Wi-Fi and switching to your mobile network.
- Report any suspected fraud to reportfraud@nbtbank.com.
- Stay up to date on the latest fraud alerts by visiting the NBT Bank Fraud Information Center.