Mobile Banking Security

Firefighters First's Mobile Banking incorporates the convenience you want with industry-leading safety and security features that provide peace of mind. We've also assembled some common-sense steps you can take to help protect yourself and the important information on your mobile device.

Secure Access To Your Accounts

When using our Mobile Banking app you're protected by these security features:

• Advanced encryption technology to help prevent unauthorized access
• Privacy protection of your financial information as detailed in our Secure technology

Our fraud prevention and security systems help protect you with the latest encryption technology and secure email communications.
 

Update your Mobile Devices

Mobile devices are essentially small computers with software that needs to be kept up to date just like on a PC or laptop. Make sure all the mobile devices in your house have the latest security protection. This may require updating your devices with a computer.

Guard Your Personal Information

Protect your phone or tablet device just as you would your computer. Secure your mobile device by using a strong passcode and be cautious about the sites you visit and the information you release.

Use a digital wallet

A digital wallet stores information about your physical debit and credit cards so you can make purchases at participating merchants. Certain digital wallets use virtual cards. A virtual card is the digital form of your physical debit or credit card and it has a unique card number stored within a digital wallet that's different from the physical card number. So, it cannot be accessed from your digital wallet if your mobile device is lost or stolen. You can use your virtual card with your digital wallet to conveniently make purchases, just like your physical debit and credit cards. You still get all the rewards, benefits and protections your physical card provides.

Think Before You App

Before you download an application (app) on your device, review the privacy policy and understand what specific data the app can access. Only download apps from reputable sources.

Update Your Mobile Device

Mobile devices are actually small computers with software that you need to update just like on a PC or laptop. Make sure all your mobile devices (including laptops, tablets, smartphones) have the latest security protection. Check the website of your devices manufacturer or mobile carrier for the latest software updates.

Protect Your Money

When banking and shopping on your mobile device, check to be sure the sites are secure. Look for web addresses with https: in the address. This means the site takes extra measures to help secure your information. Many sites now feature a color-coded browser. If you see a green highlighted browser, this is a safe site. However, yellow and red sites should be avoided.

When In Doubt, Don't Respond

Fraudulent texting, calling and voicemails are on the rise. Just like in fraudulent email, requests for personal information or a call for immediate action are almost always a scam.

Stay Informed

Follow mobile security issues in the news and discuss them with friends, family and colleagues. Explore online resources like the Identity Theft Resource Center and Microsoft® Security At Home websites that provide comprehensive information about topics such as identity theft and safe online behavior.

Fake Mobile Banking Apps

Criminals may develop and publish fake mobile banking applications that look like official Firefighters First apps but are in truth designed to steal your Online Banking credentials. Here are tips for recognizing an unofficial Firefighters First app:

• The developer or author of the application is not Firefighters First
• The app is being promoted on a third-party site, somewhere other than the official app store for your mobile device
• There is a charge for downloading the app – Firefighters First does not currently charge for mobile app downloads

To help protect your accounts and information, never download or install a Firefighters First Mobile Banking app if you spot any of these warning signs.

SMShing

SMShing and smishing are like phishing (which typically happens via email), but take place via SMS text message. A criminal sends you a text message that tries to trick you into replying with financial or personal information or clicking on links that will sneak viruses onto your mobile device. Don't respond to a text message that requests personal or financial information. Firefighters First will never ask you to provide your information in this way.

Lost & Stolen Devices

Mobile phones and tablet devices offer convenience, but they're also easy to lose or steal, which can put your information at risk. Here are some ways you can protect yourself now in the event your device is lost or stolen later:

• Password-protect your device so it can't be accessed unless the password is entered
• Enable an automatic screen-locking mechanism to lock the device when it's not actively being used
• Consider using a remote wipe program that gives you the ability to send a command to your device that will delete any data
• Keep a record of the device's make, model and serial number in case it's stolen

Traditional Online Threats

Viruses, malware and other programs intended to steal your personal information or financial details are able to infect some mobile devices. If your tablet supports a traditional anti-virus product, consider installing that software. Backup the device's data and keep the copy in a safe and secure location. This will allow you to restore your data in the event you need to wipe the device clean in order to remove a harmful software threat.