The bank has instructed its customers to follow certain steps to ensure that fraud can be prevented while stating that the coronavirus pandemic has given rise to cybercrime.
"Don't be a victim of mobile hackers and learn some smart ways to keep your device secured. Let's make things difficult for the hackers," SBI tweeted along with a less than one-minute video clip.
Here are the steps to follow whenever you are using mobile banking.
Since the 'security of your mobile is compromised once it is infected with worms, trojan horses and other virus families', the video, listed some dos and don'ts to tackle the security threat.
What should you avoid?
1) Never leave your mobile phone unattended: It is not wise to leave your phone unattended when you are surrounded by a large crowd. Ensure that you carry the phone with you in a pocket or use a smartphone holder to carry it.
2) Do not leave unused applications and connections open: Another important instruction is to never leave any application or connection open on your phone. Make sure you have disconnected the apps.
3) Never connect your mobile phone to unknown or untrusted networks: Always remember that public wi-fi can compromise with the device’s security thereby making it easier for hackers to commit cyberattacks. It becomes easier to hack information if the device gets connected to any untrusted networks.
4) Never keep sensitive information like passwords, usernames in your mobile: If you have the habit of saving any password on the phone, then make sure you don’t do it ever. By doing this you are compromising the safety of the account. Also, use the app lock feature to protect from such a situation.
5) Never forward the virus-affected data to other mobile phones: You should always use the private secure network if you accessing any confidential or critical accounts and refrain from sending any data to other mobile phones.
What you should do?
1) Take regular backup of data: In case of any loss of your smartphone, your valuable data remains intact and secure.
2) Note down the 15-digit IMEI number: IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique number to identify any mobile phone. You can acquire a phone’s IMEI number by dialling *#06# or through the Settings app.
3) Always lock your mobile phone screen: Make sure that you have locked your mobile phone screen with lock- PIN, passcode or a biometric password on your smartphone. This will protect the device from unauthorised access.
4) Before transferring any data from mobile phone to computer, be sure to scan the data with the latest antivirus software
5) Update the mobile operating system regularly: With the latest mobile operating system updates, you can protect devices from threats of virus attacks.
Earlier, the bank had warned customers against charging their phones at charging stations and asked customers to think twice before plugging-in their phone at charging stations. It is because malwares could infect their smartphone and in turn, lead to data theft.