Smartphone Security

Smartphones continue to grow in popularity and are now as powerful and functional as many computers. New apps are being created every day for smartphones, like the Genisys Mobile Online Banking iPhone and Android app. It is important to protect your smartphone just like you protect your computer as mobile cyber security threats are growing. The following Smartphone security tips can help you reduce the risk of exposure to these mobile security threats and fraudsters.

General Smartphone Security Tips

• Set Passcodes and PINs: Protect your mobile device with a password and lock it when it's not in use. Keep your smartphone in a safe location.
• APPS (applications): Only install trusted apps like the Genisys Mobile Online Banking Application for iPhone and Android. Don't download applications onto your phone without checking them out first. Verify the legitimacy of an application by checking the app publisher, the seller and reviews of the application, before downloading it to your smartphone. Be aware that fraudsters will continue to create fraudulent applications.
• Modifications: Do not modify (jailbreak or root) your smartphone, it will make your smartphone susceptible to an infection from a virus, trojan, or malware.
• Backup and secure your data: You should backup all of the data stored on your smartphone – such as your contacts, documents, and photos. These files can be stored on your computer, on a removal storage card, or in the cloud. This will allow you to conveniently restore the information to your phone should it be lost, stolen, or erased.
• Software updates: Accept updates and patches to your smartphone’s software. You should keep your phone’s operating system software up-to-date by enabling automatic updates or accepting updates when prompted from your service provider. By keeping your operating system current, you reduce the risk of exposure to cyber threats.
• Use mobile security apps: Mobile security apps provide antivirus, anti-malware, privacy and anti-theft protection.
• Open Wi-Fi networks: When you access a Wi-Fi network that is open to the public, your phone can be an easy target of fraudsters. You should limit your use of public hotspots and instead use protected Wi-Fi from a network operator you trust or mobile wireless connection to reduce your risk of exposure, especially when accessing personal or sensitive information or your Genisys Online Banking account.
• Donate, resell or recycle old smartphone: Before you donate, resell or recycle your smartphone, you should wipe all data from it. It will contain personal data you want to keep private. To protect your privacy, completely erase data off of your phone and reset the phone to its initial factory settings.
• Check the Genisys Credit Union web site’s security privacy page: It is updated on a regular basis.