These are the most important rules in internet banking:

With these guidelines all threats that online-banking might provide can be easily fended:

  1. Don’t use unfamiliar or public computers

    Never do online banking in cyber cafes or other public computers. The reason: criminals can easily manipulate these computers and use them to access and steal your user data.

  2. Update your software regularly

    Make sure, that all windows updates are installed. This way scammers can’t make use of security gaps. Your browser should always be updated to the newest version available. Internet explorer can update directly via windows update, in firefox you simply need to click on “help/update”.

  3. Don’t use software from unknown sources

  4. Antivirus software is a must!

    A keylogger is a program that takes record of all your keyboard input and passes the processed information on to criminals via internet. An antivirus program is a must, because it can detect such software. Your antivirus software should be updated on a very regular base.

  5. Firewall

    Make sure you have an active firewall, that will protect you from hackers. WindowsXP service pack 2 and upwards a firewall is installed as default. You might have to activate it in system settings. For other systems, please download or buy firewall software. Using a router for your internet connection, provides additional security towards hackers.

  6. Secure surfing

    Before opening an online banking website, you should close all other programs and websites – and only then open the internet banking website in a new window. Current browsers offer an additional feature: InPrivate browsing (found under security). This opens a new window with all add-ons and temporary files disabled.In addition you should deactivate activeX temporarily. Click on “extras – internet options” and adjust the tab “security”. Alternately, you can use the safe Firefox browser. With Firefox, simply click on “extras – private mode” before banking. This mode hinders temporary data being saved on your computer.

  7. Verify website address

    In the newest versions of Firefox and internet explorer you can instantly see, if you are on an encrypted and therefore secure site: The address tab will turn either green or blue. If not, either your connection is insecure or you are visiting a fake site. In this case, leave the homepage immediately.Also, click on the little padlock symbol (Internet Explorer), respectively the green/ blue bar (Firefox), to review the encryption certificate.

  8. Safe Password:

    Regularly change the password to your e-banking account. Never save it on your computer. You can use a simple Trick for an easy and memorable password: Think of a random sentence and use the first letters of every word, as well as punctuation. Example: the sentence “We like Ferrari, but most of all we like the F1 in red!” you’ll get the password: “WlF,bmoawltFir!”.

  9. Secrecy

    Keep all data that enables access to your bank account, private and hidden.

  10. Logout properly

    Please make sure you always logout properly, so that no third person can access your account after you leave the computer. This is especially important if you are using a public computer. Also shut down your browser. If you didn’t enter the e-banking site in secure surf modus, make sure you delete all temporary files. You’ll find the option under “Extras”.

  11. Never trust e-mails

    Banks never ask to update your user information via e-mail. Such e-mails are always and most certainly fake, that will lure you onto phishing sites. Also never enter your login data anywhere else than on the official internet banking site. If you suspect a scam, please contact your bank immediately.

  12. Hand-type internet address

    Always make sure you type in the internet address to your online banking site into the browser by hand. You should never open links in e-mails or on websites. These could be manipulated and lure you onto fake websites.