Mobile Devices

Update Your OS and Security Software

Just like your personal computer, your mobile device is susceptible to viruses and malware. That's why it's important to take the following actions to help secure your mobile devices.

Keep Your Operating System and Applications Up-to-Date

Tips for Helping Protect Your Mobile Information

  • Keep it safe. Maintaining physical control of your device is the first way to prevent abuse.
  • Keep it updated. Set your device to install updates automatically if possible. Even app updates could include security fixes.
  • Use your security features. Use a pass code or PIN to help protect your device. Enable remote wipe and location features to help ensure that your personal information is protected if your device is lost or stolen.
  • Beware of malicious applications. Download apps only from trusted sources like the Apple App Store® or the Google Play Store®.
  • Avoid links from unknown sources. Don't use a link from sources you don't trust, including emails and social media posts. Malicious links could direct you to websites or install applications that compromise your device.
  • Consider anti-virus and browser protection tools. Some devices support the use of anti-virus products that help prevent bad applications from attacking your device. Browser protection products provide an additional layer of security to warn you about malicious websites.
  • Use trusted networks. Connecting your device to unknown wireless networks can expose your data. Avoid accessing sensitive information, like banking, if using an unsecured or unknown network. If possible, switch to your cellular data plan for banking and then back to wireless when complete.
  • Turn off unnecessary services. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, location apps, NFC (near field communication) apps and other connection abilities can be disabled to protect your device when you're not using them.
  • Avoid using tools not meant for your device. Known as "rooting" for Android® and "jailbreaking" for Apple®, accessing software or apps not intended for your device can expose you to greater security risks.
  • Install and use anti-virus software and browser protection tools. Some devices, especially those running Android, support the use of anti-virus software that helps prevent bad applications from attacking your device. Browser protection products provide an additional layer of security to warn you about malicious websites.

Notice: Mobile anti-virus products are offered by individual vendors and not by USAA. USAA makes no representations, warranties, promises or guarantees regarding these or any other mobile anti-virus products. USAA encourages members to use personal due diligence when selecting and using technical and security products.

Security Tip for Protecting Your Mobile Devices

If your device is lost or stolen, immediately contact your service provider to stop service and contact USAA to disable text message alerts.

Enable Quick Logon on Your Mobile Devices

How does it work?

Instead of logging on with your Online ID, password and PIN, simply enter your PIN to access your accounts. Quick Logon uses Symantec™ Validation and ID Protection (VIP) technology to generate one-time security codes. We use a security code along with your PIN to log you on with a unique password each and every time.

Why use it?

It's more secure. Even if a hacker is able to guess your PIN, he would still need to have your phone to log on. When you use Quick Logon, you're using what is called two-factor authentication, which requires:

  • Something you know — your PIN.
  • Something you have — your phone with Symantec VIP.

How do I enable Quick Logon?

Quick Logon is available for the USAA Mobile Apps for iPhone® and Android®. Setting it up is easy! Just open up the USAA Mobile App, navigate to the settings panel and turn on Quick Logon.

Secure Your Phone and Your Data

Using a password or PIN and encrypting your data can prevent a criminal from taking information if your phone is lost or stolen.

Lock Your Phone

Use a password or PIN to restrict access to your phone, if your mobile device supports it. This makes it more difficult to get into your device.

Encrypt Your Data

If your mobile device supports it, use encryption (Opens pop-up layer) to help protect sensitive information. Your device may have a wipe function that can be triggered by password failures. You may also be able to perform a remote wipe in case your phone is stolen or lost.

Security Tip for Protecting Your Mobile Devices

Don't jail break or root your mobile device. If you do, you can make it more vulnerable to malicious software and may void your warranty.

Report Fraud

One of the most common forms of fraud is phishing. Phishing scams send fraudulent e-mails or pop-up messages that appear to come from legitimate sources. They may ask customers to verify personal information or link to counterfeit websites that appear real.

Email Us

If you've received a suspicious USAA e-mail or have visited a suspicious website, immediately send us the e-mail (as an attachment) or send a link to the website to abuse@usaa.com.

Call Us

If you ever suspect you are a victim of fraud or identity theft, contact us immediately to report it.

  • Identity Theft: Call the USAA Identity Theft Assistance Center at 877-762-7256.
  • Lost or Stolen Card: Call the USAA Federal Savings Bank at 800-531-USAA (8722).
  • Lost Account Information: Call the usaa.com Website Customer Support line at 877-632-3002.