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How to securely use push and sms notifications
Monday, May 22, 2023
Many users take advantage of mobile applications and online banking services to make financial transactions. In this regard, each transaction needs to be confirmed. This is done by sending push and sms notifications. However, it is worth remembering that such notifications can be used by cybercriminals to steal money.
In this article, we will discuss the measures that should be taken to ensure safety when using notifications and the risks users should be aware of.
What is the difference between push notifications and sms notifications?
Push notifications are sent to a mobile application or to a device's main screen, and sms notifications are sent to a mobile phone. Depending on the product and customer preferences, banks provide the opportunity to use either one or the other option – or both at once.
Push notifications are more difficult to fake, since for this purpose, a trojan that forges them needs to be deployed on the target device. In the case of sms notifications, a cybercriminal can simply send a notification from a similar number and hope the recipient isn’t paying attention. SMS notifications can also be sent to a larger number of potential victims.Avoid installing applications from unknown sources
To ensure your security when using notifications, download official banking applications or use the functions provided on your bank's official website. Avoid installing applications from unknown sources, as they may contain viruses and other types of malicious code.
Use two-factor authentication
Currently, most banks offer the use of two-factor authentication to make sure that transactions are really being performed by the customer and not by a fraudster. The password or the PIN code that users receive on their mobile phones reduces the risk of unauthorised access to their data.
Do not open links and provide your personal information
If you receive a transaction notification or a request to change your password, you should not follow the links from such a message. Instead, you need to manually enter the online bank address or open the application and check the authenticity of this notification. Users should also be careful when they are informed that their data has been compromised and when asked to provide their data. In this case, it is necessary to contact the bank directly using information indicated on the bank card or on the official website to make sure that the request has indeed come from it.
Additional protection: screen lock and Touch ID configuration
Most modern devices allow users to configure additional protection. For example, you can add a screen lock and a Touch ID configuration. This will prevent unauthorised access to notifications, even if the device gets into someone else's possession.
The Anti-virus Times recommends
Push notifications and sms notifications are useful tools to securely perform transactions online. However, it should be remembered that there are trojans designed for Android devices that are capable of intercepting both push and sms notifications. Therefore, in any case, basic security rules need to be followed: download only official applications, use an anti-virus and two-factor authentication, monitor your notifications, and regularly check your bank accounts so that you can detect any potential threats in time.
#Android #bank_card #banking_trojan #remote_banking #two-factor_authentication #mobile_phone #online banking #personal_data #page_replacement #SMS_messages
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