Your smartphone might contain more information about your finances than your filing cabinet. Between mobile banking, shopping apps, payment services, and saved passwords, one compromised device could create serious problems for your checking account, credit cards, and retirement savings. Unfortunately, not every app deserves the access you’ve given it, and some applications can expose personal information without making the risks obvious.
The FBI has warned that malicious mobile apps can steal personal information, compromise financial accounts, and even allow criminals to take control of devices. In a 2026 security advisory, the agency also cautioned that unfamiliar app downloads can introduce malware and other privacy risks.