MOBILE SECURITY

Follow these tips to stay secure

If your smartphone is lost or stolen

• First, follow the recommended steps of your mobile service provider to report a lost or stolen phone.
• If you’re using the new U.S. Bank Mobile app, there’s no need to contact us or change your Personal ID or Password. When you get your new phone, download the new app or sign in to the Mobile Web to continue your mobile banking.
• As always, you'll want to monitor your accounts for suspicious activity. If you notice anything that concerns you call us right away at 800.US.BANKS (800.872.2657).
• Make sure you have antivirus software installed on your device.

Password-protect your smartphone

• Always lock your phone when it’s not in use.
• Set your phone to automatically lock after being idle for a set amount of time.
• Set your phone to use a longer and stronger password than the default 4-digit unlock code if this option is available on your phone.
• For even better security, set your phone to erase all data after 10 bad password attempts.

Clear data from your smartphone frequently

• Delete text messages from financial institutions, especially before sharing, discarding, or selling your phone.
• If you visit the U.S. Bank website using your phone, delete the cookies and cache regularly.
• Better yet, use our dedicated apps for online banking.

Always download apps from reputable sources

• Criminals try to lure people into signing up for mobile banking using fake apps and/or websites.
• Always visit the U.S. Bank Mobile Banking site to verify the sources of your online banking applications.
• If you’re considering adding an app to your mobile device, review the app’s permissions so you understand what the app is capable of doing before you decide to download it.

Don’t fall for phishing scams

• Phishers create links that look legitimate but instead direct you to malicious websites when you select them.
• Due to the small screen size in smartphones, it’s even harder to spot whether a link is legitimate. If you need to access a website, type in the address yourself. Learn More.

Remove personal information before replacing your smartphone

• Don’t rely on carriers, recycling firms or phone deposit banks to “clean” your phone before disposal or resale to third parties.
• Follow your phone manufacturer’s instructions to remove all personal information from your phone before decommissioning it.

Be careful using unsecured "public" wireless networks

• Whether it's at your favorite coffee shop or even your local gym, complimentary Wi-Fi access is frequently available. Although a nice service, unsecured networks may allow hackers to distribute malicious code to your devices or even intercept your personal details.
• Don't turn your Wi-Fi on if you don’t actually need to use it. Even if you’re not actively using the Internet (i.e., logging on to websites, submitting payment, etc.), your information can still be compromised while connected to public networks.
• Turn off "Auto-connect" in your settings so that your Wi-Fi does not automatically search for an open network to connect to.
• For an added layer of protection, enable the "Always use HTTPS" option often available on websites that require logging in.

Be aware of risks associated with jailbroken devices

• You may have heard that "jailbreaking" your device—that is, removing restrictions off your device to install unauthorized software or to customize its features—is a good idea because it allows you to use the device beyond the manufacturer’s limitations. However, jailbreaking comes with risks.
• By jailbreaking your device, you remove the security restrictions enacted by the manufacturer which helps to keep your data safe.
• Since you are able to download apps from outside your device's application store, you become vulnerable to downloading a potentially malicious app which has not been screened for malware.

Download our Secure U.S. Bank Mobile App

Bank anywhere with U.S. Bank and/or U.S. Bancorp Investments

• Go to U.S. Bank Mobile Banking and download our mobile app for quick, easy and safe access to your banking information and services wherever you go.

Your privacy is protected

• Your privacy is protected.
• No personal or financial information will be stored on your phone.
• All wireless communications are securely encrypted.
• Our Digital Security Guarantee protects you from fraud loss if there's ever any unauthorized use of your account.
• Allow the U.S. Bank Mobile App to access your location so we can verify your Visa card and your phone are near each other, protecting your card at home or abroad.

Keep an eye on your accounts with security alerts

Bank anywhere with U.S. Bank

You can sign up for security alerts for any text-capable phone (including smart and non-smartphones). We’ll send you a security alert when your U.S. Bank and/or U.S. Bancorp Investments account personal information is changed. Being alerted to these changes promptly can help you identify and stop potential fraud. You’ll receive a security alert by email or text message when any of the following events occur:

Your privacy is protected

• Mailing or email address change
• Phone number change
• Personal ID or password change
• Personal ID and password disabled after too many incorrect login attempts
• A request that we provide your Personal ID
• Changes to ID Shield security questions and answers, image/sound or phrase
• Changes to other authentication methods: fingerprint scan, facial recognition, visual pattern or one-time passcode
• ATM/debit card PIN change, reset or request
• New ATM/debit card request, or card reissue or replacement

Learn more about U.S. Bank and/or U.S. Bancorp Investments security alerts.

Social Media Security

Bank anywhere with U.S. Bank

Smartphones are great for keeping in touch with friends on Facebook, getting tweets or staying connected through other social media apps. With all the information you share, it’s important to learn basic security tips for all social media networks and apps. (PDF)