For many people, the quickest and most convenient way to pay for purchases is by using a digital wallet (albeit that some have better security measures in place than others). With 10 to 20 percent of current fraud cases attributed to digital wallet hacking schemes, Uswitch.com mobile expert, Rehan Ali, explains to Digital Journal about how best to protect your mobile wallet.
Ali’s advice is:
Protect your passwords
Ali explains: “Most modern devices are protected by biometrics, such as Face ID or Touch ID. These can be set up to authenticate purchases with Apple Pay and Google Pay. Despite biometrics being considered secure, a strong password is still the safest way to protect your mobile wallet. You can switch to alphanumeric password protection in your mobile settings.”
He advises: “A strong password should contain at least 12 characters, including a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, punctuation and special symbols. Each of your passwords should also be random and unique. Always lock your mobile phone when not in use. If your mobile phone is lost or stolen, locking your mobile will help to protect your stored data from being accessed.”
Download software updates
Updating your phone with the latest software updates is essential to enhance your phone’s security features.
Ali observes: “Updates are developed not only to improve phone functionality but also to fix any security issues that have been identified. This helps to stop hackers from accessing personal information, including credit card details.!
Never use your mobile over an unsecured Wi-Fi network
Public Wi-Fi networks can be vulnerable points of access. Ali cautions: “Hackers may be able to access your connection and collect details stored on your device, including those in your digital wallet. When out in public try to use mobile data where possible. If for any reason you need public Wi-Fi, only connect to websites via HTTPS. These encrypt anything you send and receive from the website and will show ‘HTTPS’ within the web address. Also, make sure to remove your stored cards from your digital wallet for additional security.”
Review your transactions regularly
With financial fraud, Ali advises: “Logging onto your Internet banking and regularly checking your statements is key to spotting unauthorised transactions. If you notice any unfamiliar or suspicious activity in your account, it is important to contact your bank immediately. Your bank will be able to cancel your card to stop any further transactions and in some cases may be able to reimburse you for the amount stolen.”
Take action if your phone is lost or stolen
A recent study by Uswitch.com found that more than half of people in the U.K. have lost or had a mobile phone stolen in their lifetime.
With this Ali recommends: “If your phone is lost or stolen, contact your credit and debit card providers immediately to cancel your cards. Doing so will prevent anyone from using the cards in your mobile wallet to make a purchase. For extra precaution, you should also wipe all data from your device by visiting Find Devices on iCloud.com or your Google account on Android”.
