Mobile Security
Find additional security tips to secure your preferred mobile device and personal information.
Protect your information
To ensure you maintain a high level of security and safety when accessing our Mobile Banking services, we have provided some additional security tips to secure your preferred mobile device and personal information.
It is important to secure the information stored on your phone or tablet in case an unauthorised person gains access to your device.
Never store passwords on your mobile device.
Never disclose any personal or financial information via text message and ensure you delete text messages from financial institutions that may include personal information.
Do not download mobile applications (apps) from unknown or untrustworthy sources. Download apps from reputable sources such as the Apple App Store (iOS) and the Google Play Store (Android), and check the name of the app developer, to reduce the risk of inadvertently installing a virus or malware on your device. Visit 'Fake banking apps' for more information.
Read permission requests carefully before installing a new app so that you are fully aware of which personal information you are giving consent for the app to access.
Be careful allowing unsigned third party applications to access your information, such as location, contacts and social networking accounts.
Be cautious of prompts or warnings requesting permission for software to install or run as it may be malicious software or a virus.
Never use the same PIN combination for your phone lock PIN, Mobile Banking App PIN or card PIN.
When using the PIN feature on the Mobile Banking App, ensure you choose a unique PIN that is difficult to guess (i.e. do not use birthdays or telephone numbers).
Where possible, encrypt your data to secure your information if your mobile device is compromised.
Back up your mobile device regularly.
Protect your mobile
A few simple safety measures can help to secure and protect your mobile phone or tablet.
Use a login password to protect your mobile device and ensure it is locked when not in use.
Set up your mobile device to lock automatically after a few minutes of non-use.
If you lose your phone or change your number, inform Bank First immediately so we can update your contact details.
Keep your mobile device's operating system up-to-date as these updates often contain changes that will make your phone more secure.
Do not jail-break your phone as this will leave you susceptible to infection from a virus or Trojan Horse (refer to the 'Malicious software' section).
Avoid using unsecured public Wi-FiTM networks or BluetoothTM to prevent unauthorised access to your mobile device, especially in crowded areas.
Turn off Wi-FiTM and BluetoothTM when not in use and change your phone settings so that you have to give permission for your phone to join a new wireless network.
Be aware of mobile phone scams, such as Mobile phone porting.