Mobile banking apps have made managing our money simpler than ever, but cybercriminals are constantly finding clever ways to exploit our devices. As highlighted in a security guide by The Phone Guardian (
Instead, they trick users into installing malicious apps or granting dangerous permissions on Android phones. These hidden "spyware" apps can record your login details as you type them, monitor your screen, and siphon funds straight out of your account—often while you are fast asleep.
To help protect your hard-earned cash, follow these 5 essential crime prevention steps to secure your phone today.
Step 1: Audit Your Accessibility Permissions
Malicious apps rely on elevated system access (such as Accessibility Services) to read what is on your screen or log keystrokes.
How to check: Go to Settings > Search for Accessibility > Tap Installed apps (or Downloaded apps).
What to look for: You will see legitimate tools listed here, but watch out for everyday utility apps (such as a flashlight, PDF scanner, or calculator app).
Action: A standard calculator or flashlight has no legitimate reason to require full accessibility control. If you see any unfamiliar or unexpected apps on this list, tap them and select Disable or Uninstall immediately.
Step 2: Turn Off SMS Autofill Features
When your bank sends you a One-Time Passcode (OTP) via text message to verify a transaction, the message usually contains critical details—such as the payee name and transfer amount. Enabling autofill features bypasses this crucial line of defence.
How to check: Go to Settings > Google (or your Google Account settings) > All services > Autofill and passwords > Verification codes by SMS.
Action: Switch off both "Autofill codes in apps and sites" and "Autofill codes in your default browser". Manually reading and entering passcodes ensures you actually see and double-check any transaction warnings.
Step 3: Remove Saved CVV / Security Codes
While storing card numbers in your browser is common, saving the 3-digit CVV/CVC code from the back of your bank card gives fraudsters everything they need to make unauthorized purchases if your device is compromised.
How to check: Open Google Chrome > Tap the 3 dots (top-right) > Settings > Payment methods.
Action: Turn off "Save security codes". Additionally, ensure "Verify autofill payment methods" is turned ON. This ensures that using any saved card details always requires your fingerprint, facial recognition, or screen lock password.
Step 4: Restrict SMS Permissions
Your text inbox receives sensitive verification messages and security alerts from your bank. You should strictly limit which applications can read your SMS messages.
How to check: Go to Settings > Search for Permissions > Tap Permission Manager > Select SMS.
Action: Review the list of apps with access to your text messages. Revoke permission for any app that does not strictly require text functionality to operate.
Step 5: Run a Password Safety Checkup
Data breaches occur frequently across the web. If a password you reuse for mobile accounts has been leaked online, criminals can use automated tools to break into your profiles.
How to check: Go to Settings > Google > Manage your Google Account > Security > Password Manager > Tap Checkup.
Action: Review any Compromised passwords flagged by Google and change them immediately. Ensure you use strong, unique passwords for every online service, particularly for your primary email and banking accounts.
Taking a few minutes to complete these checks can drastically improve your phone’s security and protect your bank account from fraud. Share this advice with family and friends to ensure their devices remain secure as well!
Source: The Phone Guardian
