FBI issues alert on mobile banking app cybersecurity threats

The FBI released an alert to warn the public about anticipated exploitation of mobile banking app platforms as in-person access to financial institutions has been limited amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“Americans are increasingly using their mobile devices to conduct banking activities such as cashing checks and transferring funds,” the FBI noted in the alert, issued last week. “US financial technology providers estimate more than 75 percent of Americans used mobile banking in some form in 2019.”

The alert warns against app-based banking trojans, which are “malicious programs that disguise themselves as other apps, such as games out tools,” and fake banking apps, which are designed to impersonate the real apps of major financial institutions.

In addition, the FBI provides tips to protect both consumers and financial institutions from these threats, including:

 

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