Secure online banking is not always guaranteed. If security measures are inadequate, your money can be gone in just a few seconds.
1. Secure online banking: domain control and security certificate
Secure online banking includes, among other things, domain control and a security certificate.
- Always enter your bank's Internet address by hand and make sure that you use a secure connection when banking online. The Internet address then always begins with “https://….” and receives a security certificate.
- Bei FirefoxA lock appears in the address field, where you can see the website verification for the website with just one click. This site is then considered trustworthy and data transmission is encrypted.
- Im Internet ExplorerThe address field is highlighted completely in green – further information about website identification can be found at the right end of the input field (key symbol). There you will also find, among other things, the security certificate for the website you are visiting.
- On Chrome There is a lock symbol in front of the website address. By clicking on it you will receive further information.
2. Activate phishing protection in the browser
You can activate phishing protection in Firefox, Chrome and Internet Explorer. This means that if you come across a suspicious page while browsing, your browser will automatically block it. This can prevent your data from being stolen unnoticed.
- Go into Settings bei Firefoxto the “Privacy & Security” tab. To activate phishing protection, tick “Protection against fraudulent content and dangerous software” everywhere.
- Internet Explorer calls these features “SmartScreen Filter” and has them listed in the “Security” category. There you can – if not already activated – switch on the SmartScreen filter.
- On Chrome The function is activated by default and you will receive a warning for questionable pages.
3. Password security for online banking
Many banks (optionally) use alias names instead of account numbers when logging in. This means you can come up with some kind of username that you want to log in with. Just like passwords, there are various criteria for aliases that make account access more secure:
- Use numbers, upper and lower case letters and special characters (e.g. %,/,@,*).
- Choose a longer, abstract word that doesn't make sense.
- For example: “BIwbh@6ocitm!”. How can you remember that? As a sentence: “Bin Iwill be home at6o‘clock in the mget up!”
4. TAN security
Online banking usually takes place via a TAN procedure. However, there are different options with different security gaps.
- PIN/TAN: The old iTAN procedure uses a printed list of TAN numbers that you need to legitimize the transactions. However, due to various cases of fraud, this is a discontinued model and is only offered by a few banks.
- chipTAN/smartTAN: You use a TAN generator to generate a TAN number for each transfer. Criminals have a harder time here because they need exactly this number. However, there are always cases of fraud here too.
- mTAN/SMS-TAN: The mobile TAN procedure seemed to be the safest method in online banking so far. You will receive your TAN via SMS to your cell phone, including a brief detailed overview of the transfer purpose and amount. However, the TAN codes can be intercepted on Android smartphones.
- Not all banks send as many TAN SMSs for free. You should also note that, for security reasons, you cannot receive an mTAN on your smartphone if you also use it for online banking.
- App-TAN: Some banks have developed an app-based TAN procedure. You have to open an app, log in with a password and then you will be shown the TAN number for the transfer.
5. Phishing emails, hotspots and strange computers
Phishing emails, hotspots and strange computers can also pose a danger to you, which is why there are a few things you should keep in mind.
- Many users allegedly receive official emails asking them to provide TANs, PINs, credit card numbers or passwords or to click on links. However, your bank will never ask you to disclose sensitive data by email or over the phone. If you are unsure, it is best to contact your bank.
- Only use hotspots (publicly accessible Wi-Fi networks) for surfing and not for online banking. It's easy for criminals to access your smartphone, tablet or laptop over an unsecured network and spy on your account details.
- You should also avoid online banking on third-party devices, as you cannot rule out that your entries will be recorded. This allows criminals to easily access your name, account number and PIN.