At signal jammer we believe that this topic is quite important because mobile banking is growing, it is really practical and many users join these mobile banking programs every day. But you have to be really careful because this is the place where malefactors have a chance to make a lot of money very quickly. First of all, we would like to mention that the whole thing written here can also be said on tablets, not just smartphones.
1. Avoid mobile banking apps on your smartphone!
Here we are talking about special apps that banks create for their users. Yes, they are convenient and easy to use, but there are a few issues with these apps that you should be aware of. Above all, it is definitely unknown who exactly wrote and tested this app. It is also not known whether the bank tested this app at all or simply decided to publish it and fix bugs and vulnerabilities in the updates. And you should understand that losing your phone is much easier, or someone can steal and even hack it, modern smartphones are prone to various hacks and exploits.
2. Avoid mobile banking on routed or jailbroken smartphones!
Many people route or jailbreak their smartphones for additional benefits, Android users get more privileges in the operating system, they can install custom versions of the operating system, and many other things. And Jailbroken device owners can install third-party software, not just AppStore. And this is where the main vulnerability is hidden.
These additional permissions are not only granted to a user, but to all apps that they run. To protect your bank account and smartphone from modern WiFi threats, it’s better to avoid jailbreaking or routing your phone.
3. Do not use a mobile banking app on the same phone if you installed it from a third party!
Android and iOS, allow apps to be installed only from their app stores, GooglePlay and AppStore by default. But many people try to install third party applications because they are free there. If you see a free version of the app, it shouldn’t be free – it’s always better to avoid it because 99% of the time you get a virus. The same applies to mobile or internet banking apps.
4. Never use the same smartphone for an app and for SMS passwords!
Here you should understand that the modern concept of remote access is always associated with two-factor identification. The basis here is really simple. The website uses two factors to determine who you are, first is the login and password combination, and the second is the thing that belongs to you. It can be a USB trinket with a specific key, or when it comes to mobile banking – a combination that is sent directly to your mobile phone.
In this case, we will have both factors on our smartphone that could be vulnerable. Therefore, we may want to tell you that the mobile app for banking must be on one device and all SMS messages from banks must be transferred to another device.
5. Never use free public WiFi hotspots!
Here we are talking about public hotspots in restaurants, hotels, airports. All data comes to a router without cables and can be intercepted by literary people. WiFi networks are vulnerable and you should be aware of this when using them. So if someone can crack WEP or WPA2 encryption, they’ll get secure access to your bank account.
6. Use mobile antivirus apps!
Many people have serious doubts that anti-malware apps just drain the battery and do nothing useful, but we can tell you that they at least provide partial protection against Trojans that steal personal information and can provide clues to a hacker. And most of them are completely free.
Always remember that your security is yours and your main strength against hackers of all kinds is your knowledge and caution. Always pay attention to your smartphone’s wireless connection, and if you notice anything suspicious – turn off the phone, or use a cell phone blocker and contact your bank to temporarily lock your account, which may save you some money at some point.