Safety on-the-go

Your mobile devices – including smartphones, laptops and tablets – are always within reach everywhere you go, whether for work, travel or entertainment. They make it easy to connect to the world around you, but can also pack a lot of personal info about you and your friends and family, such as contacts, photos, videos, location and health and financial data. Follow our mobile security tips to help you use your mobile device safely.

  • Secure your devices: Use strong passwords or touch ID features to lock your devices. These security measures can help protect your information if your devices are lost or stolen and keep prying eyes out.
  • Think before you app: Information about you, such as the games you like to play, your contacts list, where you shop and your location, has value – just like money. Be thoughtful about who gets that information and how it’s collected through apps.
  • Now you see me, now you don’t: Some stores and other locations look for devices with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth turned on to track your movements while you are within range. Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use.
  • Get savvy about Wi-Fi hotspots: Public wireless networks and hotspots are not secure, which means that anyone could potentially see what you are doing on your mobile device while you are connected. Limit what you do on public Wi-Fi and avoid logging in to key accounts like email and financial services on these networks. Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) or a personal/mobile hotspot if you need a more secure connection on the go.

Keep a clean machine

  • Keep your mobile devices and apps up to date: Your mobile devices are just as vulnerable as your PC or laptop. Having the most up-to-date security software, web browser, operating system and apps is the best defense against viruses, malware and other online threats.
  • Delete when done: Many of us download apps for specific purposes, such as planning a vacation, and no longer need them afterwards, or we may have previously downloaded apps that are no longer useful or interesting to us. It’s a good security practice to delete all apps you no longer use.

Special safeguards for users of Mobile Banking

To defend your personal and account information, we recommend that you employ the safeguards below when using mobile banking:

  • Password protect all mobile devices.
  • Actively change your password on a regular basis.
  • Only install applications from Google Play or the Apple App Store, and only select applications from trusted sources.
  • Do not jailbreak or “root” your device. This undermines the security already in place.
  • Always keep your mobile device with you, and secure the device when not in use.
  • Periodically delete your browser cache and history or opt to disable web caching.
  • If your device is lost or stolen, notify your wireless carrier immediately and contact HNB Bank.
  • Use caution when using apps on social networking sites; verify the app does not have access to personally identifying information.
  • Check your bank account frequently and notify the bank of any unauthorized transactions as noticed.
  • Never respond to text messages requesting personal information, such as Social Security numbers, credit/debit card numbers and account numbers.
  • Adopt the same safe practices as you would when using your personal computers, including not opening attachments or clicking on links contained in emails received from unfamiliar sources.
  • Wait a week to download new applications that have not been tested and reviewed by users. Untried applications could harbor malicious code.
  • Install antivirus software if it has not already been placed on the operating device.
  • Use the most recent version of your phone’s operating system to ensure you have the latest security patches.
  • Frequently delete text messages received from the bank.
  • Just as you should never carry your Social Security card in your wallet, never save your login credentials in your phone’s address book or notepad tools.
  • For mobile devices using the Android operating system, do not enable Android’s “install from unknown sources” feature.
  • Always sign out of mobile banking when you have completed your activity.