HDFC Bank has issued a new cyber security advisory to its customers, with special emphasis on security tips that smartphone users must consider while using the HDFC mobile banking app, and the advisory may be extended to mobile banking app users of other banks as well. This new cybersecurity advisory goes beyond emphasizing the importance of protecting passwords, downloading banking apps from verified sources, and raising awareness of phishing scams. HDFC Bank has spoken about some common “bad habits” of smartphone users that make them prone to falling victim to hacking and scams. If you are doing the following, then you need to be more careful with your smartphone.

5 smartphone habits you need to change

1. Always keep Bluetooth on, especially in public places

Most smartphone users don’t pay attention to Bluetooth connectivity on their smartphones. With TWS earphones making life easier, smartphone users tend to keep Bluetooth on all the time. It turns out that Bluetooth is an active and vulnerable access point in smartphones. While you may think you have everything under control since every external device requires manual pairing, what most people tend to forget is that active and idle Bluetooth can help hackers know which devices your smartphone may have been paired with before and then hacked Spoofing attacks can be launched to gain access to your smartphone.

2. “Force close” banking apps on your smartphone

Smartphone users mostly believe that force-closing any app will automatically log them out of the platform. But not every app is like this. Especially for banking apps, always log out and only continue closing the app when the logout screen is visible. If you don’t do this, the banking app may keep you logged in for a short period of time, potentially posing risks if your device is compromised or falls into the wrong hands.

3. Use public WiFi to log in to your mobile banking app, especially during the holidays

If you are traveling abroad and using public WiFi to stay connected, never log into your mobile banking app. This also includes hotel WiFi connectivity. Public WiFi networks are risky because hackers use them as a playground for their victims. If you are forced to use a public WiFi connection, always use a VPN app for protection. Ideally, you should always use mobile data or a trusted home WiFi network to connect to your mobile banking app.

4. Don’t uninstall your banking app before handing your smartphone to a stranger

If you must hand over your smartphone to anyone, be sure to uninstall your mobile banking app before doing so. Sure, installing and activating mobile banking again may sound like a tedious process, but it keeps you safe. If you have to repair your smartphone, uninstall all important apps, including banking apps, before pressing the factory reset button.

5. Use the same PIN/password for all apps, including lock screen

If you use the same password/PIN for your lock screen and all the apps on your smartphone (including mobile banking apps), then you need to stop doing this. If one password can unlock every app and smartphone, you make it easy for hackers to succeed. It is strongly recommended that you take care to secure your mobile banking application by using a unique password. Also, please change these passwords regularly.

Apart from these 5 points, HDFC Bank Advisory also reminds users not to share PIN or password with anyone, download APK files from email or WhatsApp, and other general tips.