BANGKOK, THAILAND – From 14 February, mobile banking apps in Thailand were set to stop working on devices with outdated operating systems to close security gaps, affecting iPhones and iPads running below iOS 14 and Android devices below Android 10, according to authorities and banking associations.
Coordinated security move by banks and cyber teams
Deputy government spokesperson Lalida Periswiwatana said the measure came from a joint initiative by the Thai Bankers’ Association and the Thailand Banking Sector Computer Emergency Response Team (TB-CERT). From 14 February, banking apps only supported devices with at least iOS 14 on iPhones and iPads and Android 10 on smartphones and tablets.
Who would lose access to their accounts
“If your device is below this requirement, you will no longer be able to access banking apps.”
said Lalida Periswiwatana, deputy government spokesperson. Customers who did not update or replace their devices risked being unable to log into their accounts via app from the cut-off date.
Security first, not pressure to buy new phones
According to the industry, the step primarily aimed to close security vulnerabilities rather than push consumers to purchase new phones. Older operating systems often no longer received security updates and were therefore more vulnerable to money-stealing malware, phishing attacks and the remote takeover of devices by criminals.
What users needed to check before the deadline
Banks pointed out that the current operating system version on iPhones and iPads could be found under “General”, “About” and “Software Version” in the settings. Android users were directed to “Settings”, “About phone” and “Software information” to see the “Android version”, a step that the Thai Bankers’ Association said customers should take before 14 February to avoid interruptions to digital transactions, especially when fast transfers or payments were needed.
When an update was no longer possible
If a device no longer allowed an upgrade to iOS 14 or Android 10, banks and authorities recommended seriously considering a switch to a newer model. The background, according to the sector, was that only modern devices offered the security level deemed necessary to protect online banking against attacks and unnoticed debits from accounts.