Banking security from iPad 2

[Stressedtess]

Can anyone tell me if there is security for iPad 2 so that banking from iPad isn't hacked. Hacking's been in the news recently.

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[mikespe]

The iPad is just as secure as any other computer (take that for what it's worth)...where most people get their banking "hacked" is when they use wifi from public or unknown sources. If you are using Starbucks or work wifi to do your banking all your information (account number, passwords, etc) have to pass through their servers...which mean they are STORED on their servers. If someone wanted to they could get that information & get into your account. The other way to get your information stolen is also in a public place. There is software hackers use to intercept your signal & can see what you're doing on your ipad/laptop, etc....

So basically, don't do anything with sensitive information on public or unknown wifi...

[MikesTooLz]

yes, just don't use any public or open wifi hotspots and you will be safe doing banking from iPad. visiting banking sites via iPad uses the same security you would get from a normal computer.

[michali]

As the other posters say, do not do anything on your iPad on a public or open wifi. I tried at an airport last year to buy some Internet time. Put in my card details and never was able to get the time but in that short space of time, someone got my card details and spent 391 pounds!

[tlbaker]

The iPad is just as secure as any other computer (take that for what it's worth)...where most people get their banking "hacked" is when they use wifi from public or unknown sources. If you are using Starbucks or work wifi to do your banking all your information (account number, passwords, etc) have to pass through their servers...which mean they are STORED on their servers. If someone wanted to they could get that information & get into your account. The other way to get your information stolen is also in a public place. There is software hackers use to intercept your signal & can see what you're doing on your ipad/laptop, etc....

So basically, don't do anything with sensitive information on public or unknown wifi...

Good advice!!! Thanks for posting.

Sent from my Verizon Black 64GB iPad 2 With IOS 5.01 Update From NYC using iPF

[Kaykaykay]

The iPad is just as secure as any other computer (take that for what it's worth)...where most people get their banking "hacked" is when they use wifi from public or unknown sources. If you are using Starbucks or work wifi to do your banking all your information (account number, passwords, etc) have to pass through their servers...which mean they are STORED on their servers. If someone wanted to they could get that information & get into your account. The other way to get your information stolen is also in a public place. There is software hackers use to intercept your signal & can see what you're doing on your ipad/laptop, etc....

So basically, don't do anything with sensitive information on public or unknown wifi...

Agreed.

Other stuff to look out for:

Beware of phishing scams: Scammers send fake emails and texts, saying your account needs updating, has been compromised, etc., and ask you to contact them via Web, phone, email, etc., and scam people into revealing account info and other private info, which they then use fraudulently. If you get any kind of alert, you should contact your bank via contact info that you've confirmed is legit. Their contact info appears on your statements, on the back of your debit and credit cards, for instance. You also can google to check. For instance, I got a text saying that my card had been compromised, I googled and found that the phone number mentioned in the text was part of a scam reported by others. I took a screen capture of the text and sent it to the bank, so they could pursue as needed.

Some websites have been compromised because hackers have stolen SSL certification (which is how consumers are supposed to tell whether a website is secured). You can't do anything directly to verify that (partly because banks and other companies often hide when they've been victimized, or they don't catch on till too late), but you can monitor your account activity consistently and see whether all purchases, etc., are legit. Some scammers try small purchases (like buying something for a few bucks or 99 cents) before going for big fake purchases. If you see anything suspicious on your statements, best to check early and not shrug off because an unfamiliar purchase is only for a small amount.

When banking or doing other financial transactions via iPad, you also can use the apps from your financial institutions. But you still should monitor your account activity. Recently it was reported that one bank was double charging customers on some transactions they'd done via iPad. The bank said it was a software error, but who knows.

Best to protect yourself, because it's your money and credit record.

[mikeyl46]

hi can anyone tell me if doing banking on iPad when using 3G is secure?

[TheRambler]

As above Mikey, the 3G means only that it's not connecting Wirelessly. Always make sure your careful with your passwords and people aren't looking over your shoulder when entering sensitive material.
The iPad is as secure as any PC but it's usually stupidity and not security to blame for most security issues!

[Kaykaykay]

3G has and can be compromised as well, but it's generally safer. For more info, this thread might be of interest:

iphone - Is data transmitted over 3G secure? - Apple - Stack Exchange

Basically, the best way you can protect yourself is:

-- Don't use public wifi or any wifi unless you know how it's secured and who else might be on it.
-- VPN can offer extra security if you want to spring for the costs.
-- Check for SSL certification on websites (like I mentioned, that's not a guarantee, either).
-- Monitor your account activity and raise concerns early about suspicious activity.
-- Use apps from your financial institution and monitor your account activity.
-- Be suspicious anytime you're asked for financial info, and check who's asking.

[sjleworthy]

As mentioned, it's not the iPad which is the security risk, but the Internet connection you're using.