How to Secure Your Tablet Computer for Safe Online Banking

Author:: Bernard Sinai

Safe Online Banking

Tablet computers are fast becoming a popular alternative for the PC. This is due to several reasons including instant startup, versatility, and portability and battery life. This has prompted major banks to jump on the bandwagon with their own tablet apps. However, this has also opened the probability of attacks on your tablet.

In this hub, I give a few pointers to safe online banking on your tablet computer.

Safe Online Banking Tips

Do not store banking ID or passwords in your tablets. It makes it easier to access accounts but it also becomes vulnerable when you lose your tablet or it gets stolen.
Clear your browser cache. To speed up internet browsing, browsers usually store basic copies of webpages including those that may contain your banking information.
Always log out. This is a crucial safety practice that many people fail to do when they have finished banking.
Only use certified apps. It is very important that you use apps supplied or advised by your bank. Do not just use any app on the internet to do your banking as you never know the code in these apps. You must also only download from official app stores.
Do not open emails with links from banks. Banks rarely send emails with links to clients advising the click on the link so treat any emails with very high suspicion and forward them to your bank.
Do not do your banking in public. It is also advisable not to do your banking in public areas. However, if you must then be aware of the people around you as some people may look over your shoulder and steal your information.
Do not use public WiFi. Everybody wants free WiFi but it is also open ground for thieves to steal your banking information. As much as possible, use secured networks.
Secure your device. Set a passcode for your device and a PIN for your SIM. However, do not use the same PIN for your login – always use something different.
Set a hard passcode.When creating a PIN or passcode always choose something that people will not easily guess like your date of birth. Instead, create something unique and follow these simple rules:
- It must be more than 7 characters (the longer the better);
- Combine all caps with small caps;
- Use alphanumeric characters, and;
- Include symbols.
Lock your device. Set your device to lock automatically. This should prevent any unwanted prying eyes when you leave the device unattended.
Say no jailbreakers. Never do your banking on jailbroken devices.
Get security. Install a security app on your tablet.
Contact your bank. If you lose your device, have questions or concerns then do not hesitate to contact your bank.

2 Step-Authentication

The enhancements in internet security have seen the introduction of the 2-step authentication process that greatly enhances security for portable devices. As added security for your device, it is a good idea to enable this feature especially if you have a Google account.

I have this feature enabled on devices linked to my corporate and personal GMail account. I also have this enabled on my Yahoo account and have a text message sent to my mobile phone every-time I need to login.

All major players in online services now employ this method as an optional, added security feature for their users and it is a good idea to have this enabled.

It's easier than you think for someone to steal your password
Google 2-Step Verification

Learn More About 2-Step Verification

Add two-step verification for extra security | Yahoo Help - SLN5013
Require an automatically generated code, in addition to your password, to login from unrecognized devices or browsers. Learn how to turn this on.
Google 2-Step Verification

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Conclusion

With the rise of the tablet, security will become an issue. It is advisable that safe practice be taken every time you bank online with your device. Fortunately, it is not that expensive to practice safe online baking. However, if you are still uncertain then contact your bank branch for advice.

I hope these pointers will steer you in the right direction and keep your banking information safe and while these tips are written with the tablet in mind, they are practices that can be used on any mobile device.

Safe online banking!

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