- Banks urge customers to update web browsers, mobile OS to protect against scams & cyber threats
- Additional security measures may apply to customers using unsupported devices & outdated software
To safeguard banking accounts against cyber threats, member banks of the Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) and the Association of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions Malaysia (AIBIM) have called on customers to ensure their web browsers and mobile devices are running on the latest versions to protect against cyber vulnerabilities and remain safe from scams.
By updating web browsers and mobile devices to the latest versions, customers will receive the most recent security patches, strengthening protection against cyber threats and malware, the associations said in a joint statement.
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 vulnerable to threats and may no longer receive critical security updates from developers such as Apple, Google and Mozilla.
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 such versions to protect customers. This additional layer of protection helps enhance security, ultimately safeguarding customers’ funds and ensuring their financial peace of mind.
To update to the latest versions, customers are advised to follow these steps:
For web browsers:
- Open the web browser and navigate to ‘Settings’ or ‘Help’.
- Check for available updates and download or install the latest version if prompted.
- Restart the web browser to complete the installation.
For mobile devices:
- Open the Settings app and navigate to System or Software Update (for Android), or General (for iOS).
- Check for available updates and download or install the latest version if prompted.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Steps may vary depending on the device manufacturer.
To further protect themselves, customers are advised to download apps only from official mobile app stores. Customers using older or obsolete devices are encouraged to upgrade to newer models to continue receiving regular security patches.
The currently supported mobile operating systems by Google and Apple are Android version 13 and above and iOS version 18 and above, respectively. Customers can check the latest supported operating systems at endoflife.date/android and endoflife.date/ios.
For web browsers, versions considered insecure by browser developers include Google Chrome version 140 and below, Firefox version 141 and below, and Safari version 18.5 and below. Customers may visit browser-update.org to stay informed of the latest browser versions.
The associations reaffirmed that the banking industry remains committed to providing safer and more secure banking services. During the transition, customers will receive guidance outlining browser and mobile operating system requirements and timelines. In addition, some banks, in collaboration with selected device partners, may offer discounted prices or bundled packages for eligible customers upgrading their mobile devices.
For assistance, customers may contact their banks through branches, call centres or official social media channels. For details on individual banks’ specific browser and mobile operating system requirements, customers are encouraged to contact their banks directly.
Customers who suspect they may have fallen victim to a scam are urged to activate the ‘Kill Switch’ immediately to halt any further losses. They are also encouraged to contact the National Scam Response Centre at 997 or their respective banks’ 24-hour fraud hotlines for assistance.
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