UPDATE BROWSERS, OPERATING SYSTEMS TO COUNTER CYBER THREATS - BANKING ASSOCIATIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 22 (Bernama) -- To safeguard banking accounts against cyber threats, the Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) and the Association of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions Malaysia (AIBIM) today urged customers to ensure that their web browsers and mobile devices are running the latest versions to protect against cyber vulnerabilities and scams.

In a joint statement, the associations said that by updating their web browsers and mobile devices to the latest versions, customers will receive the latest security patches, strengthening protection against cyber threats and malware.

“The banking industry urges all customers to update to the latest web browser versions and mobile operating systems. Devices running on older or unsupported versions are more exposed to threats and may no longer receive important security updates from developers such as Apple, Google and Mozilla,” the statement said.

To mitigate malware risks, banks may introduce additional verification measures, reduce transaction limits, or impose other restrictions for customers using unsupported versions.

Banks may also proactively block transactions originating from these versions to protect customers, as this added layer of protection helps enhance security, safeguard funds, and ensure customers’ financial peace of mind.

To protect themselves, banks advise customers to only download apps from official mobile app stores. Customers with vintage or obsolete devices are encouraged to update to a newer model to receive regular security patches.

The industry remains committed to safer and more secure banking. During the transition, customers will be provided with guidance outlining browser and mobile OS requirements and timelines.

Additionally, some banks, working with selected device partners, will offer discounted prices or bundled packages for eligible customers upgrading their mobile devices.

-- BERNAMA