Banking applications may cease to function on outdated mobile devices.

It is advisable to be vigilant if your mobile phone has not received security updates for more than a year, as banking apps may cease to function on such devices due to the Play Integrity API introduced by Google, enabling banks to limit access to outdated devices for security reasons.

Summary of the necessary information.

• Banking applications might need up-to-date security updates to function properly.
• Devices that do not receive updates for over a year may no longer have access to crucial features.
• The option is not mandatory but may impact the decision on purchasing new smartphones.

How will this modification operate?

Apps can now use API Play Integrity to verify the most recent security update on the operating system, and if the device is not up to date, the app can limit features or block full access.

This measure aims to safeguard sensitive user information like passwords, credit card details, documents, and other personal data that may be at risk on unprotected devices.

The safety requirement is not mandatory and app developers have the choice to decide if they want to include it. However, many banks choose to add this additional security measure due to the sensitive nature of the data they handle.

What is it that I have to accomplish?

Using older phones can pose a challenge for some users as manufacturers typically provide security updates for a limited period following the device’s release, leaving many devices vulnerable to potential issues.

The measure may compel consumers to think about upgrading to newer smartphones that offer enhanced update support, pressuring brands to enhance their update policies for older models.