MOBILE SECURITY FOR PHONES & DEVICES

Mobile Security is a growing concern. As we grow more dependent on devices to stay connected and for storing and accessing personal information, security has become everyone’s priority. Accordingly, Pearl Hawaii takes your security and ensures that your data is safe and sound very seriously. That’s why we take every precaution necessary to make sure that your information is safe. However, there are some things that we cannot control.

Overall, you will be on the right path towards improved mobile security if you follow these essential tips.

PASSWORDS & SECURING YOUR DEVICE

Always lock your device.
Also, create a strong password for your mobile device that is easy to remember, but hard to guess (i.e. strong passwords include uppercase, lowercase, symbols, and numbers).
Do not use common words, names, birthdays, or any personal information in your password.
Additionally, never use your complete or part of Social Security Number or part Username, Password, or PIN.
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. Because 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. With PHFCUOnline account access and alerts can help you spot fraudulent transactions quickly.

PROTECT YOUR DATA AND BACKUP REGULARLY

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. For example, sensitive personal information can include your driver’s license number, social security number, password, and account numbers.
Regularly update your device. Moreover, 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.
Enable Automatic Or Remote Wiping / Erasing. Most phones support automatic wiping after a certain number of unlocking attempts.

UPDATE YOUR PHONE TO THE LATEST SOFTWARE

Using the latest software eliminates over 90% of mobile security bugs.
Updates might include repairing security holes that have been discovered and fixing or removing computer bugs. Additionally, they add new features to your devices and remove outdated ones.
While you’re at it, it’s a good idea to make sure your operating system is running the latest version.
Hackers love security flaws, which are also known as software vulnerabilities. In essence, a software vulnerability is a security hole or weakness found in a software program or operating system. Fraudsters can take advantage of the weakness by writing code to target the vulnerability. The code is packaged into malware (malicious software).
Unfortunately, malware can infect your phone with no action on your part other than viewing a rogue website, opening a compromised message, or playing infected media. The malware can steal data saved on your device or allow the attacker to gain control over your computer and encrypt your files.
Software updates protect your data. If you use your device for emails, checking accounts, or even storing documents, your phone or device will have a lot of identifiable information stored on it. This information is valuable to cybercriminals.

DO NOT JAILBREAK, CRACK, OR ROOT YOUR PHONE

Jailbreaking will allow you to install 3rd party apps that have not been tested for security issues. Whenever you attempt to crack your device, this opens a door for hackers to access your personal information. These 3rd party apps may contain malware or spyware used for identity theft or phone hijacking. Additionally, these apps may access anything on your phone (contacts, calendar, messages, photos, passwords, etc.). Consequently, companies consider jailbreaking the device as a violation of its terms and conditions of use and advise customers that the practice exposes a phone to several risks.

Risks may include:

Security vulnerabilities
Stability issues
Potential crashes and freezes
Shortened battery life
You will no longer receive automatic updates
Inability to apply some software updates
Voiding the phone’s warranty
You may brick your phone (A bricked phone does not boot, respond to input, or make calls)
You can lose access to content or services
Unreliable voice and data
Make you vulnerable to a Data breach

For more information concerning Jailbreaking and Rooting, visit: WHAT IS JAILBREAKING, CRACKING, OR ROOTING A MOBILE DEVICE?

IF YOU LOSE YOUR DEVICE

Firstly, 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).
Also, immediately change passwords for financial and personal accounts to prevent any identity theft or fraud.
Last, contact Pearl Hawaii immediately to let us know that your account may be compromised. Call (808) 737.4328 (73-PHFCU), email us at MyFamily@phfcu.com, or contact us through secure messaging.

PEARL HAWAII AND PREVENTING ONLINE CRIME

Pearl Hawaii will never send emails, text, or call you and ask you to provide, update, or verify account passwords, Social Security numbers, PINs, credit or debit card numbers, or other confidential information. Also, if you suspect that your personal information has been compromised, contact Pearl Hawaii and local law enforcement officials.

In addition, if you have received an email message, text message, or voice message claiming to be from Pearl Hawaii Federal Credit Union and the content asks for you to give out personal or confidential information, it is fraudulent. Pearl Hawaii already has this information on record and would have no need to ask.

Subsequently, if you receive a fraudulent message and if you gave your personal information, please contact Pearl Hawaii immediately. Call us at (808) 737.4328 (73-PHFCU), email us at MyFamily@phfcu.com, or contact us through secure messaging.

Online crime or cybercrime is an ongoing threat. Certainly, the best way to protect yourself from online crime is to educate yourself. Additionally, you should take precautions to help protect against it.

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.
To file a complaint about a suspected fraudulent email, contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

MOBILE SECURITY FOR PHONES & DEVICES