Online banking gives you the opportunity to do all your banking business from the comfort of your sofa. But using bank data on the Internet also carries risks. We have put together some tips for you on how you can make your online banking more secure.
What is online banking?
Online banking is the term used to describe the management and use of your own bank account on the Internet . You will receive access data by post for this purpose. You can use these to log into your bank's website. In this way, you can view all account movements over the Internet and also make transfers.
But online banking is not only more convenient , it is also more dangerous . Account details can be stolen digitally much more easily than if you make your transfers in the bank. A theft to prevent, so-called TAN procedure used. These are security procedures in which you also provide a transaction number (TAN for short) that only you know. This confirms that you are really commissioning the transfer yourself.
Which TAN procedures are there?
iTAN procedure
With this procedure you will receive a paper TAN list by post . There TAN numbers are listed numbered . If you want to make a transfer, the request will appear: "Enter TAN No. 17". If the TAN has been used, you have to cross it off the list. When most of the numbers on the list have been used, you should request a new list from the bank.
This procedure is now obsolete because it is too unsafe . In contrast to the other methods, the TAN is not generated first , but is already set in advance. If someone has unauthorized access to the list, he must just copy and then transact from your account. In the worst case scenario, you might not even realize someone else was on your list..
chipTAN procedure
This procedure is also called smartTAN procedure by some banks . You have to have a TAN generator sent to you by the bank. Some banks provide their customers with such a generator free of charge, while other banks can charge up to 15 ?? be. If you now want to complete a payment online, you must finally scan a flickering barcode with the device. This only happens if your bank card is also inserted in the device. After a short waiting time, your TAN will be shown on the display.
This type of TAN protection is considered secure . Even if someone has access to your online banking account, no transfers can be made. As with regular banking, all you have to do is make sure that your bank card is not stolen .
mTAN procedure
The mobile TAN procedure works a little differently. If you want to make a transaction online, the bank will send an SMS to your mobile phone . This contains the required TAN, which you can then use for online banking.
One advantage: your smartphone is independent of the PC . If your PC has been hacked, no transfer can be made without your consent, as this can only be confirmed with the help of the mobile phone. The disadvantage is that with every transfer you have to pull out your cell phone and hope for good reception .
As a modification, there is also the photoTAN procedure , in which a smartphone is used on the website generated image code is read in via the app .
Another offshoot is the pushTAN procedure . The code will be sent to your account with the pushTAN app of the respective bank. After logging into the app by entering a password, you can then confirm your transfer..
What else should I pay attention to?
When you are on the Internet, there are a few things you always need to consider in order to surf the web as safely as possible. This is especially true for online banking:
Ensure that it is
intact You will receive most of your online banking data as a letter in the mail . Just like when sending a new PIN, you should make sure that the entire letter is intact . If there is even a single suggestion that the shipment was previously opened, ask your bank to resend new information. In this way you can ensure that nobody but you knows this important data. It is also similar when a TAN generator is sent . Also check here that the shipment has not been opened beforehand and that the device is intact .
Checking data Of course, the same applies to online banking as to regular banking transactions: Check all data before you carry out a transaction. This not only includes the data entered in the transfer template, but also, for example, the data displayed on your TAN generator . Because not the bank, but the account holder is liable for online banking fraud with Smart-TAN plus. In addition, if you have entered the wrong recipient, you can not simply reverse this transaction through your bank .
Secure password
Always set a password that is as secure as possible for your online banking account. Here we show you how to find a strong password. Use it never the same password multiple times . And make sure that you don't reveal the password to anyone .
Beware of phishing
Phishing is the attempt by third parties to steal your sensitive data . Mostly this happens through fake website or fake emails. So-called phishing emails look serious at first glance . In most cases, they're supposed to come from your bank or PayPal. For example, you will be asked to return your online banking details.
Respond never to emails that ask for such data. Also, don't click any links or open any attachments - either could cause you to get a virus download. If you are unsure whether an e-mail actually came from your bank, simply contact them . But not via the email you sent, but via the official bank website. In this article, we will show you how to recognize phishing emails and act correctly.
Secure connection
Most websites can now be accessed via a secure connection . The website address then no longer begins with "http: //", but with "http s : //". A secure connection can also be recognized by the adjacent lock symbol . Such websites are then provided with specific security certificates, so that user data cannot be accessed at all or is difficult to access.
Accept updates
Always keep all software up to date . This includes the browser used for online banking as well as your anti-virus protection . Security gaps can only be filled with the latest updates.
