Checking the account balance on the go or transferring money – practical if you can do your banking on your smartphone. Tips on how to safely download and use an app for this.
If you want to use a banking app for your banking transactions, you should play it safe so that malware does not end up on your smartphone or tablet. This is already possible when downloading an app or, for example, when third parties download it later by accessing it. The Banking Association draws attention to this.
In theory, every app is a potential gateway for cybercrime. The Banking Association therefore gives tips on what consumers should pay attention to when downloading and using apps so that entries on the smartphone or tablet are not recorded and forwarded to criminals.
This is how you can ensure security
Anyone who downloads a banking app should make sure that it is an official app store that is authorized. Numbers of how many users have supposedly downloaded or liked the app are not an indicator of seriousness, according to the banking association.
The exact app name is also important. Spelling mistakes, double dots or a slightly different spelling can indicate fake apps. Users should therefore be attentive and keep their hands off the app in the event of deviations.
Not all permissions are necessary
Apps often ask for permissions. Users should check which features the app actually needs access to and which ones can be disabled. An example: music apps do not need access to contacts or a location service.
If you want to register with your bank on the go, you will often be asked for access data. In order to identify yourself, you then have to enter your PIN, a password in combination with a participant number or a transaction number, i.e. a TAN.
Never save access data on the end device
You should neither save your access data on your cell phone nor carry it around in your wallet. Because they can be read out digitally by stealing the device.
Even if personal data is requested when logging in, users should be careful. After buying a new mobile phone or changing the end device, such a request speaks for a normal registration process. Otherwise you should be skeptical. Especially when personal data that has already been stored is requested without a reason.
Tip: The app should always be kept up to date with regular updates.