Many bank customers make their payments online, and more and more e-banking transactions are also being carried out using mobile devices. Swiss financial institutions are working hard to offer the world's most secure e-banking systems. Most attempts at e-banking attacks are not directed at the financial institution itself, but at the bank customers’ devices. The following tips will help you use e-banking more securely.
Secure devices
- Use e-banking only from a known and secure device.
- This device should have virus protection, a firewall, an updated operating system and updated programmes.
- Do not e-banking transactions on publicly accessible computers, e.g. in internet cafés, hotels, etc.
- It is best to use a device that you use exclusively for e-banking and that is not used to access the internet for any other reason.
Secure connection
- Never start your e-banking session via a link. Always enter the address (URL) for your financial institution's e-banking manually in your browser's address bar.
- Check that the connection is secure, as indicated by the browser's lock symbol and the fact that the address line begins with "https://".
- End your e-banking session as soon as you are no longer actively using it by clickingon the link or the "Logout" or "Log off" button.
Beware of irregularities
- Look out for irregularities, such as error messages or system interruptions during your e-banking session. In such cases, log out and terminate the connection.
- If you are unsure about an error message or system behaviour, contact your financial institution's hotline.
Keep your login details private
- Financial institutions will never contact you via email or telephone regarding your password.
- Financial institutions never call you to test your e-banking access or to make a test payment. If you receive such a call, end the telephone conversation immediately.
e-banking on mobile devices
More and more e-banking transactions are being carried out using mobile devices. In most cases, an app from the respective financial institution is used:
- When using mobile devices, take the same precautions as you would on your computer at home. Mobile devices must also be protected. Only a secure device can ensure secure e-banking.
- Install the mobile banking app and all other apps only from the official app store.
- Connect your device only to trusted networks when on the move.
- If you lose your device, have it blocked immediately and inform the bank. Reset your mobile device correctly before sale or disposal.
- If you receive text message codes to enable payments to be made, avoid using e‑banking on the same device to which the text message codes are sent.
