Mobile Banking Security - July 16

New Report: Consumers Say Security No. 1 Concern in Mobile Banking
"Security fears are the no. 1 barrier banks must face when introducing mobile banking to customers, according to a recent survey conducted by Monitise, which found that 70% of the respondents viewed security as a major concern in mobile banking. The survey also found that 71% of respondents ranked security as “highly important” in choosing or switching banks. Roughly 90% of users say they enter a user name and password to access mobile banking apps. Approximately half prefer to combine user name/password with knowledge-based answers and visual keys. And 68% indicated biometric features are important to them, while 35% say they are willing to pay extra for those features."

Fake CommBank Android security app targets mobile customers
"Online criminals are peddling a new mobile banking scam designed to bypass the Commonwealth Bank’s SMS authentication process for online transactions, by intercepting text messages and hijacking verification codes. Russian forensics firm Group-IB has uncovered the mobile banking trojan “hardcore88” being sold on Russian-language underground forums for Android devices. The trojan poses as a security app from CommBank, and is designed to block calls from the victim’s bank and capture incoming SMS messages that would otherwise carry the one-time verification passcode required to complete an online transaction."

Mobile Check Deposit Boom Brings Risks
"Mobile check deposit, once a low priority technology for banks, has become one of the most sought out mobile banking app features. But along with popularity and increased use, the potential for fraud is emerging for smartphone check deposits. A recent report from ath Power Consulting identifies remote deposit capture as mobile banking users' most desired app feature."

New Breed of Software Detects Malware from a Distance
"The biggest security threat banks face — malware that pervades their online and mobile banking users' devices — is being met by an increasingly sophisticated class of software called clientless malware detection. Mobile malware increased more than 600% in the past year, according to a recent survey from Juniper Networks — the number of malicious mobile apps has grown to 276,000."

Better Business Bureau: Mobile banking requires safeguards
"I listened intently as my wife worked her cellphone, punching in numbers, speaking to an automated answering system and entering verification codes. 'Make a payment,' she said in a loud, monotone voice. She completed her transaction, and I interjected: 'I thought you said you'd never use your cellphone to do your banking.' Her reply? 'Everything is getting safer in banking with mobile devices. Why not?'"