SECURE BANKING BEST PRACTICES FOR MOBILE AND ONLINE

Pearl Hawaii takes security very seriously, supplying secure banking environments and services designed to protect our members against breaches and fraudulent activity. Ultimately, always use caution online. You play an important role in securing your information.

PRO TIP

Never share your password, account number, Password/PIN or answers to security questions. Change your passwords frequently. It is recommended that you change your password every 60 days. Do not save credit/debit card, bank account or routing numbers, or other financial information on your computer, phone or tablet.

EMAILS

Pearl Hawaii will never send emails asking you to provide, update, or verify account passwords, Social Security numbers, PINs, credit or debit card numbers, or other confidential information.
If anyone asks for this information via unsolicited email, it is probably a scam.
Use caution when clicking on links in emails from unknown senders.

PASSWORDS & SECURING YOUR DEVICE

Create a strong password for your mobile device that is easy to remember, but hard to guess. Strong passwords include uppercase, lowercase, symbols, and numbers.
Do not use common words, names, birthdays, or any personal information in your password.
Use your device’s auto-lock feature. It is recommended that you set your auto-lock to take effect 5 minutes from the last activity.
Do not share your device with others. Since you cannot create multiple user accounts on your mobile device like you can when logging into a computer, it is best not to share your device with anyone.
Never disclose your passwords or write them down.
Use unique passwords for all of your online accounts so one breach doesn’t turn into many.
Review your accounts frequently; online account access and alerts can help you spot fraudulent transactions quickly.

MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (MFA)

Do not give anyone your multi-factor authentication (MFA) code. Scammers pretend they need your password and MFA code to deposit funds into your account but use the info to steal your money.
MFA is a procedure that helps ensure only you can access your Pearl Hawaii accounts through Online Banking.
MFA greatly decreases the chances that criminals can steal your Online Banking password. Usually, passwords are stolen when an unsuspecting user tries to access a site that is impersonating Pearl Hawaii. MFA helps prevent this situation.
When you visit a Pearl Hawaii branch, you know our faces and we know yours. MFA does the same thing online, helping us to more accurately identify each other. When you enroll in Online Banking, you will be prompted to enter another layer of protection to verify your identity.
If you log into a new device that Pearl Hawaii does not recognize, you will be asked to enter further information. This helps protect you by keeping unauthorized people from accessing your information.

PROTECT YOUR DATA AND BACK-UP

Back up your data regularly. We recommend syncing your device with your computer. Utilize a Cloud service that offers backup for your devices. Once you set it up, the Cloud encrypts your data and backs up your data as long as you are connected to Wifi, connected to a power source, and have your screen locked.
Delete text messages or emails containing sensitive information. We recommend that you never disclose personal information about yourself via a text message or email. Sensitive personal information can include your driver’s license number, social security number, password, and account numbers.
Regularly update your device. Your device provides updates for your mobile device operating system that include security patches. Check with your device manufacturer for information on how to get the most recent updates.

FOR SECURE BANKING, DOWNLOAD SECURE APPLICATIONS

Be cautious about what applications you download. Prior to installing a new app, check the ratings and comments to be aware of what the app does and what information it may access.
Be aware of malware (viruses and trojans) and fraudulent applications.
Only download mobile applications from authorized and trusted application stores like the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Keep your antivirus, firewall, and spyware blocking software up to date. Make sure your PC is turned on during the time you have your updates scheduled to run.
Stay current with all security patches for your operating system.

IF YOU LOSE YOUR DEVICE

Report the loss immediately to your carrier (if you’ve lost a cell phone) or your company (if you’ve lost a company-owned mobile device).
Immediately change passwords for financial and personal accounts to prevent any identity theft or fraud.

SECURE BANKING OTHER TIPS

Do not jailbreak or root your mobile device. Jailbreaking or rooting means you are overriding some of the software features and limitations of the mobile device. Although this may be tempting, it leaves your device more vulnerable to attacks and compromises. It can also void warranties and render your phone completely unusable.
Do not allow anyone to pressure you into giving out personal information or wiring money.
Only connect to known Wi-Fi networks; beware of network names that have typos or extra characters.
Be safe on all social media channels. Do not overshare or fall victim to social engineering. Take the time to review your privacy settings on the platforms you use.
Keep an eye on your accounts and monitor your credit report regularly.
Pay close attention to the websites you shop on and visit. It’s safest to only use those you trust.
Be wary of ads, giveaways, and contests that seem too good to be true.
With Mobile Pay, shop online with the security and safety you need while never disclosing your credit or debit card number.

USEFUL LINKS

To learn more about identity theft fraud safety visit ID Theft Center.
If you think you’ve been a victim of identity theft, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 877-IDTHEFT (438-4338) or visit the Federal Trade Commission’s site to learn more.
If you believe your Social Security Number is being used fraudulently contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.
It’s a good idea to get a copy of your credit report each year from each credit-reporting agency. You can get a free credit report yearly from the Annual Credit Report website at annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228 where you will go through a simple verification process over the phone. It is important that you obtain and review a copy of your credit report once a year to make sure your information is accurate.
For financial literacy, check out Upgrade| our blog or our financial education page.

Upgrade you.

From home or car loans to Hawaii’s most innovative banking services, Pearl Hawaii is committed to you. Bank at any of our Oahu locations in Waipahu, Ewa Beach, Waianae, Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, or near the Airport. Additionally, you can bank using PHFCUOnline just like one of our branches. To contact us, call us at 808.737.4328, toll-free at 800.987.5583, or email us at MyFamily@phfcu.com.

Secure Banking Best Practices for Mobile and Online