Mobile Security Advisory - A few tips to safeguard against Mobile Malware Attack
Mobile Security Advisory - A few tips to safeguard against Mobile Malware Attack
- Your Mobile device is like a computer and it should be protected the same way as you protect your computer. Always check the source of an app or a game before installing it. If you are installing a banking app, the developer of the app, should be your Bank.
- Always use your personal WIFI or mobile data to prevent unauthorized access. Please protect your WIFI with a password. Avoid use of unsecured public WIFI network.
- Always implement policies to protect your sensitive data in case of a theft of mobile device, like lock screen passwords, anti-theft applications, mobile tracker etc.
- Always use phones purchased from authorized dealers. Do not use rooted devices which are more vulnerable to a malware attack. Rooted (jail broken) devices will permit applications to access/modify the operating system. When you are selling a phone, format your phone to erase sensitive information, personal images and apps.
- Always keep your device operating system up to date. Android and iOS operating systems always comes up with upgrades to prevent vulnerabilities in existing versions. We recommend upgrading the operating system of your mobile phone regularly.
- Always use a mobile anti-virus/malware application to protect you from malware attack. Remember to update the latest virus definition files.
- Always keep your apps up to date. Every application like your social media apps or banking apps frequently make upgrades to ensure that the apps are secure and ready to meet most of the existing challenges in terms of protecting sensitive information.
- Always install apps from trusted sources. Please ensure that your mobile settings corresponding to this is checked, to prevent inadvertent installations from unknown sources.
- Always keep your passwords safe. Never store your passwords in your mobile. It is advised to use the inbuilt keyboards coming along with the OS. Some of the other keyboards may capture your keystrokes.
- Always check the source of communications you receive in your mobile. Do not respond to unsolicited emails, SMSs or calls.
- Your Bank will never ask you PINs, CVV, Card Number etc. Never disclose your sensitive information even if the caller threatens about cancellation of your card or closure of your account in the event you fail to disclose the PIN/OTP.
- Never download attachments from an unknown source. Some of the mails will have offers of winning lotteries, cash backs and vouchers. We advise you not to fall for such offers as these may be traps to get your sensitive information.
Issued in public interest - Federal Bank