Online banking software: you should pay attention to this

With online banking, you enter sensitive data that should remain secret. If you rely on external software, you should therefore observe the following safety tips.

1. PC protect against attacks

Keep all security software (firewall and anti-virus system) up to date. You should also regularly update your operating system and run virus scans.

• Perform any updates to the online banking software that are available. A security hole can be closed quickly.
• To further increase the security of your PC you should install an antispyware tool.

2. Protect data from strangers

You should keep sensitive data such as PIN and TAN safe:

• Never save your PIN and your TAN list on your computer. If your PC falls victim to a hacker attack, this secret data could easily be stolen.
• Always keep your PIN and TAN separately and never carry your PIN with you.

3. No data storage in the software

• Some programs offer a storage function for the login. However, do not use this function and enter all the data manually each time.
• Deactivate all other storage processes in the online banking program.

4. Secure password selection for online banking

Create a secure password that you only use for online banking. For most programs, a password is optional, someone is sniffing your computer, but it is quite helpful ...

• Change your password regularly and do not use simple numbers and names.
• A secure password should have at least eight characters and should be case-sensitive. Numbers should also be included.
• Our tips for a secure password show you how to remember secure but complicated passwords.

5. Control and limits

• So that you and your bank can react quickly in an emergency, you should also regularly check your account balance and all exits for correctness.
• In order not to suddenly find an empty account, you can usually limit the maximum debit per day. For example, to 5, 000 euros. You can easily deactivate this limit again - but only with tan.

In another article we explain what IBAN, BIC and SWIFT actually mean.