The security level of your Internet connection depends on the kind of settings you make.

Keep the following rules in mind if you want to tread a safe path as a user of online banking.

General Information:

• Regularly update the operating system. In this way, you can prevent security holes being created.
• Always use an updated version of a browser.
• Use a virus security and update it regularly (automatic update recommended).
• Install and activate a firewall.
• Never save your PIN and PAN on the computer.
• Use software only from a trust worthy source.
• When carrying out online transactions, close all other applications. While banking online, you are advised to avoid chatting, downloading files or surfing the Internet.
• Regularly save your data on a removable medium.
• Select a secure password: it must have at least six characters and should be a combination of letters, numbers and special characters.
• Note the emergency telephone number of your financial institution so that in case of emergency, you can contact someone at any time.
• Regularly check the returns (at least once in a month) using bank statements. In case of suspicious entries, inform the financial institution immediately.

While logging in:

• First close all browser windows and then only open a new window.
• Manually enter the URL in the address bar of the browser, do not click on links.
• Ensure that the address entered in the address bar starts with “https”.
• The security lock in the browser bar must be visible and closed.
• If necessary, check the security certificate.

After logging in:

• Do not open any other browser window while carrying out a transaction.
• If conspicuous error messages appear, close the operation.

After logging out:

• Make sure your end your online banking session by clicking on “Logout”.
• Delete the cache and the history of your browser.
• Delete the cache and the history of your browser.
• Close the browser window.

Rules for online banking:

• To avoid falling prey to data fishing, you are advised to steer clear of the following risk factors:
  • Never reveal your access data such as PIN or PAN personally, or through telephone or e-mail. No authentic bank will ever ask you for such information.
  • Never carry out online transactions in an Internet café.
  • Never run a so-called security update for Internet banking if you are asked to do so through e-mail. Banks never send such updates through e-mails. Visit the home page of your financial institution and check whether it mentions such an update.

Additional tip:

Another option of banking online without fear of a phishing attack is to use a signature-protected HBCI (Home Banking Computer Interface) with a chip card. This type of Internet banking is very convenient since one does not need to enter the PAN. The guarded entry of a PIN is a further advantage, where a key logger or a Trojan cannot access the PIN you enter. For this interface, you need a relevant chip card reader with an independent PIN pad.

Source: chip