Smartphones are a common target for cyber criminals, who carry out sophisticated attacks that can steal your data, including banking passwords or other sensitive personal information that may be stored on your device.
These tips can help you avoid becoming a victim.
Tip 1: Set up your mobile device for optimal protection
- Make sure you have a unique security PIN for you mobile carrier account. Don't share it and do not use something easy to guess like your birth date or a street number. If you don't yet have a PIN on your mobile account, contact your carrier to set up a security PIN. This extra safety measure helps prevent scammers from transferring your service, including the ability to receive text-based one-time passcodes, to a mobile device that you don’t control.
- Enable automatic updates for your operating system software in your mobile device settings to help protect your phone with the latest security patches.
- Set your phone and tablet to automatically lock when not in use, and use a passcode, or biometric such as your fingerprint or face to unlock it. If you use a passcode, it should be at least six digits. Don’t share it and don’t use your birth year, address number, or something else others could easily guess.
- Secure your home router with a strong password to help protect devices on your network from unauthorized access. Make sure you change the default Wi-Fi password. Consider a router with Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA3) encryption.
- Double-check your security settings and permissions. Be selective about which apps can access your phone's camera, microphone, contacts and other sensitive information.
- Use anti-virus and spyware protection and keep it updated.
- Be cautious about opening links or attachments from unsolicited emails and texts. Learn how to spot phishing email and text scams.
- Do not alter or "jail break" your device, as it may make it vulnerable to malware.
Tip 2: Practice mobile banking safety 24/7
- Add multi-factor authentication, and consider using biometric authentication or a passkey for added security.
- Use a unique and complex password for each site that you use, especially for your mobile banking. Remember, usually, longer passwords are stronger passwords.
- Set up online banking account alerts to notify you when anyone makes a purchase or withdrawal, so you can contact your bank quickly if something doesn't look right.
- Only download applications from a trusted source, like your mobile phone’s app store. Read reviews, ratings, and privacy information before downloading a new app and delete apps that you no longer use.
- Never use unsecured Wi-Fi networks to sign on to financial accounts or other accounts containing your sensitive information. If you must use an unsecured Wi-Fi network, make sure you use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
- Be cautious about providing remote access to your device.
- Always sign off once you finish banking on your mobile device — do not simply close the browser or app.
- If you change your mobile number, email, or mailing address, let your bank know right away so they can contact you when necessary. If you’re a Wells Fargo customer, you can update your contact information in mobile banking.
Remember
Public USB charging ports can download malware to your device and steal your data. To charge your phone in a public space, use an electric prong in an outlet.
Do not use unsecured Wi-Fi networks. If you must, use a VPN.
Tip 3: Protect your data when it’s time to part ways
When you're ready to change out your device:
- Unpair your old device from Bluetooth-enabled devices.
- Restore the old device to factory settings before you get rid of it — don’t just manually delete contacts, calendars, and other personal content.
By making these safety habits part of your routine, you can help protect your sensitive information, even when you’re on the go.
Explore more tips on how to stay safe online.
