- Security
- Mobile Security Tips
Mobile Security Tips
Here are some steps you can take to protect your information when using a mobile device or smartphone
Mobile devices — such as smartphones and tablets — make day-to-day activities and transactions more convenient than ever. But with every new channel for accessing financial information comes additional considerations for keeping your information secure.
Bremer Bank never asks for full account, card, PIN or Social Security numbers via outbound phone call, automated voice response, voicemail, email or text message. Authorized calls from Bremer Bank may ask you to provide the last 4 digits of your Social Security number, but never an entire number. If you receive a phone call or message requesting a full account, card, PIN or Social Security number, do not provide your information. Report the incident immediately to Bremer Customer Support at 800-908-2265.
If you use a mobile device to access your Bremer Bank accounts — whether using a mobile app, mobile web or text banking — keep the following tips in mind.
Lock your mobile device
A mobile device without a password makes it easy to access your phone, contacts, emails, apps and more.
Use the keypad lock or phone lock on your mobile device when it is not in use. This ensures your device is password-protected, making it more difficult for someone else to access information on your device.
Delete sensitive text messages
From time to time, you may receive text message alerts or security codes from Bremer Bank or other financial institutions. Delete these text messages after you have reviewed or used the information in them. Never share your personal or financial information in a text message, phone call or email.
Report a lost or stolen mobile device immediately
If you lose your mobile device, remove it from your online banking profile. Log in to Online Banking from a desktop web browser. Then go to the Customer Service menu to Manage mobile banking settings.
Also call Bremer Customer Support at 800-908-2265 to report the lost or stolen device.
Remove old phone numbers from your profile
If you change your mobile phone number, remove any old number(s) from Online Banking profile. Log in to Online Banking from a desktop web browser. Then go to the Customer Service menu to Manage mobile banking settings.
Also call Bremer Customer Support at 800-908-2265 to report the phone number change.
Always log out
When you finish an online or mobile banking session, always log out before closing. Bremer Online Banking will automatically log you out after a period of inactivity, but we still recommend logging out before then as a best practice.
Update your mobile operating system
Keep your mobile operating system up to date to ensure the highest level of protection. Always verify that an operating system update is legitimate before downloading it.
Be cautious about using public Wi-Fi
Hackers have sometimes employed unsecured public Wi-Fi networks to hijack a mobile device and track its keystrokes. They have also been known to spoof the names of reputable public hotspots to lure users into using their network. Carefully consider your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection settings.
We recommend using mobile banking only through your mobile device's data service, and avoiding public Wi-Fi for banking.
Download apps from reputable sources only
Some developers install bugs or malicious activity on smartphones by publishing malicious apps to track keystrokes and more. Always be wary of an app from an unknown publisher. Download apps only from trusted vendors, and through reputable channels such as Apple's App Store or Google Play.
Bremer Bank makes its mobile banking applications available on App Store and Google Play under the publisher name Bremer Financial Services. Search for "Bremer Bank" in your device's app store, or visit mobile.bremer.com for links to download the app.
Be cautious with QR codes and URLs
Quick Response (QR) codes are similar to bar codes, and can be scanned with a mobile device to provide easy access to online information. Treat these codes with the same suspicion you would any link or URL in an email from a stranger. Your computer is not the only place you need to vigilantly monitor for malware and Trojan Horse viruses.