How to Secure Your Mobile Banking and Protect Your Account

When online and mobile banking security features are used properly, account breaches are extremely rare. People are more likely to experience fraud or stolen account information when they don’t make full use of those features.

The good news is the most powerful account security steps are fairly easy to implement. Setting up these security features, or making a couple changes to how you manage passwords or access accounts, can go a long way toward protecting your information.

Where Most People Leave Their Accounts Exposed

Failing to Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

This adds a second step when logging in, such as a one-time code sent to your phone or a verification prompt. Even if someone has your password, they still can’t access your account without that second confirmation. This is one of the most effective ways to stop unauthorized access.

Reusing Passwords Across Accounts

Using the same password for multiple accounts is one of the easiest ways to create problems. If another account is compromised, such as an email or shopping site account, that same login can be used to access your banking app.

Leaving Your Device Unsecured

Some banking apps stay logged in for convenience unless you turn that feature off in the app settings. If your phone doesn’t have a strong passcode or biometric lock, anyone who gets access to your device may also have access to your account.

Relying on Biometrics to Replace Everything Else

Face ID and Touch ID make access easier and more secure, but they don’t replace the need for a strong password. If your password is weak or reused elsewhere, biometrics alone may not fully protect your account.

Logging In on Shared or Unsecured Devices

Using your banking app on a shared computer or unfamiliar device can expose your login information, especially if credentials are saved or sessions stay active.

Ignoring App Updates

App updates often include security improvements. Putting them off can leave known vulnerabilities unpatched.

The Minimal Setup That Covers Most Risk

• Set up two-factor authentication if you haven’t done so yet
• Secure your device with a strong passcode
• Use a unique password for your banking account
• Enable biometric login for an added layer of protection
• Turn on security-related account alerts to be immediately notified of potential fraud
• Avoid logging in on shared devices whenever possible

Modern apps and devices are designed to make access as easy as possible. Features like saved logins, automatic sign-ins, and always-on sessions can be convenient, but they can also be a security risk if your device is lost, stolen, or accessed by someone else. Keeping a few basic safeguards in place helps balance convenience with control.

How These Layers Work Together

Each of these steps addresses a different part of how your account is accessed.

Your device lock protects access to your phone. Your password protects your account itself. Two-factor authentication and biometrics add another layer that makes unauthorized access more difficult. Alerts help you respond quickly if something unexpected happens.

When combined, these security features can significantly reduce the chances of someone gaining access to your account.

What You Can Do If Someone Gets Into Your Account

If you notice activity you don’t recognize or believe someone may have accessed your account, acting quickly can make a difference.

• Contact your credit union or bank immediately to report the activity
• Change your password right away, especially if it may have been reused elsewhere
• Review recent transactions to identify anything unfamiliar
• Lock or disable your card if you see unauthorized purchases

OnPath Credit Union members who notice suspicious activity or believe their account has been accessed should contact us immediately at 504.733.7274 or 800.749.6193.

If someone contacts you claiming to be OnPath, do not share any personal or account information. Hang up and call OnPath directly to verify the request.