Internet Banking - More Security

[FN-GM]

Hi,

 

I am not talking how I could improve my personal computer Security i think im pretty much covered.

 

Is there any extra layers of security I can put in place on my bank accounts to protect me. I just have the standard security. I have also installed Rapport. My accounts are with the HSBC and Natwest.

 

Cheers

[SteveBentley]

The main thing is getting an account with a bank which has two factor authentication with something physical like a pad or secure ID type device.

[FN-GM]

The Natwest i have a Calculator type device to make transactions and stuff. But i can log into the account without it.

[elsiegee40]

Standard advice is to used a wired connection when accessing acounts (not wireless) and, as Steve said, the two factor authentication.

 

I can't get into my Barclays account at all without the PIN pad machine

[FN-GM]

Does anyone know how to force the Natwest account to need the machine when logging in. I phoned them last week they didn't know what i was talking about.

 

Also can you get these machines for HSBC please?

 

Thanks

[elsiegee40]

You may find this report from Which? useful:

Internet banking security: our research - Online banking security - Money - Which? Reviews

[maniac]

Does anyone know how to force the Natwest account to need the machine when logging in. I phoned them last week they didn't know what i was talking about.

 

Also can you get these machines for HSBC please?

 

Thanks

 

If you mean the little CAP machines that a lot of banks are giving out now, HSBC don't use them yet. They are generally not used for logging onto your on-line banking, but only for performing certain functions like transfering money.

 

Chip Authentication Program - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Mike.

[mac_shinobi]

Does Rapport have an apple version or something on the apple side or is this a windows only thing

[john]

Does anyone know how to force the Natwest account to need the machine when logging in. I phoned them last week they didn't know what i was talking about.

The card reader from Natwest is purely just for authorising transactions not for logging on, the Barclays one is dual use. So with the Natwest system you need to keep your pin and password secure.

[FN-GM]

Does Rapport have an apple version or something on the apple side or is this a windows only thing

 

yep

 

The card reader from Natwest is purely just for authorising transactions not for logging on, the Barclays one is dual use. So with the Natwest system you need to keep your pin and password secure.

 

Yes i know but would like to to be able to work on logon.

 

I really am just looking if there are any optional extra security for my banks

 

Thanks to all people who have posted.

[CSNM-Carl]

Even if someone does get into your account, they aren't going to be able to do much without your card reader other than view your statements.

[john]

Yes i know but would like to to be able to work on logon.

Well you could go work for Natwest and re-write the website to support a token ID system and pay for people to have the token auth keys....

[FN-GM]

Even if someone does get into your account, they aren't going to be able to do much without your card reader other than view your statements.

 

They will with the HSBC it doesn't require one. Thats where the majority of my money is held

[FreeWill]

If you're unhappy with the way a bank protects your accounts, let them know by writing them a letter. It is in their interest to protect your money and they will appreciate feedback. They will almost certainly do nothing and when they do it'll be because of their own security review. Letters from customers may make this more of a priority.

Alternatively you could open an account with a bank that already has a more secure login system.

 

Changing your account password regularly and keeping it complex are more steps that may be taken to improve account security.

 

Personally I am very happy with the NatWest security system, three random characters from each PIN and password for login. Card reader response required for transfers. I recently opened an account with MBNA and they have only a password text box where you enter your whole password. Get it right and you're into the account.

 

Being an IT Professional I would think your account is less likely to be breached than that of an inexperienced computer user, who may have all sorts of Malware harvesting their data.

 

It will never be completely secure, but just make any unauthorised access more difficult than average and chances are the unauthorised user will move on.

[FN-GM]

Alternatively you could open an account with a bank that already has a more secure login system.

 

The reason i use HSBC is becuase i have an account in Austarlia. There is no other bank based in the UK and Austarlia.

 

I think its pretty secure but just a little cautious. Someone once cloned my card and stole £900 from my account.