[Airfairy]

I have used my Santander online account for about two years now, but I do get worried sometimes, how easy it would be for someone to transfer all my money into their account if they managed to log in.

Is it safe enough?

[mahaneap]

It is completely safe. Even if someone did get into your account, the law saws that the bank has to cover your losses.

As a precaution, use a long password containing numbers, letters and symbols. Don't write it down. Also, use some good anti-malware software.

[Illusionary]

(Original post by Airfairy)
I have used my Santander online account for about two years now, but I do get worried sometimes, how easy it would be for someone to transfer all my money into their account if they managed to log in.

Is it safe enough?

Make sure that you use a 'strong' password (not a common word, fairly long, mix of lower case letters, upper case letters and numbers, etc.) and don't share it with anyone ans you should be fine. *If* someone finds your password (and any other required login information) then yes, they can make transfers as easily as you can, but provided that you're not negligent with protecting your login details then your bank should ultimately have to reimburse you for any fraud. Certain banks' services can be set to notify you (e.g., by email) of new transfer requests being set up.

[SirMasterKey]

Some banks like Natwest you are also required to use the card reader to set up a new payee which adds additional security to your money.

[Aack]

Online banking is probably safer than offline banking - e.g. 3d secure.

[Airfairy]

Thanks for the replies. Just with someone getting TSR info recently it got me worrying about other accounts Obviously my online banking account would be the worst thing they could get into.

I liked what my friend had, I think it's HSBC with their little calculator and you input a new code each time.

[. . .]

(Original post by Airfairy)
Thanks for the replies. Just with someone getting TSR info recently it got me worrying about other accounts Obviously my online banking account would be the worst thing they could get into.

I liked what my friend had, I think it's HSBC with their little calculator and you input a new code each time.

Yeah I've got one they are called secure key cards. You input a number and the card generates a new number which you use to log in. I set up internet banking when I made my student bank account and asked about security and the man said it's as safe and has as much risk attached to it as using your debit card online.

[JordanS94]

I need to get some sleep I thought this thread was called 'Is internet baking safe?' and I was stupid enough to say to myself oh wow I've gotta try that

[the bear]

you might like to try http://www.aplin.com.au/

it is a free program which prevents keyloggers from recording your passwords etc...

[geetar]

I think the question you need to ask nowadays is, 'Is banking safe?'.

That was a not very funny piece of satire. In answer to your question, yes, Internet Banking is safe (and obviously a hell of a lot more convenient).

[. . .]

(Original post by JordanS94)
I need to get some sleep I thought this thread was called 'Is internet baking safe?' and I was stupid enough to say to myself oh wow I've gotta try that

That is what it says.

[JordanS94]

(Original post by . . .)
That is what it says.

... you made me question myself then I thought it said baking

[. . .]

(Original post by JordanS94)
... you made me question myself then I thought it said baking

Oh. Maybe I need the sleep.

[k9markiii]

(Original post by Airfairy)
I have used my Santander online account for about two years now, but I do get worried sometimes, how easy it would be for someone to transfer all my money into their account if they managed to log in.

Is it safe enough?

It is totally safe as long as no one gets your security details. Make sure you only enter the details on the correct website, a lot of banks use trusteer rapport to tell you that you are on the correct site and not a phishing site. Use a virus and malware scanner as there are things like keyloggers and screen recording software. Don't share passwords on pins with people in real life and it's easily as safe as having a debit card where all they need to know is a 4 digit number, or just the security number for some stuff online or over the phone.

[Solid.Snake]

(Original post by Airfairy)
I have used my Santander online account for about two years now, but I do get worried sometimes, how easy it would be for someone to transfer all my money into their account if they managed to log in.

Is it safe enough?

Hi,

Just like you, I was at first very nervous about using online banking but it is actually quite safe.

As long you take a few necessary precautions just to minimise the risk:

• Firstly, ensure that your password and memorable information are very strong and difficult to guess. But more importantly make sure they are different to your other passwords that you use elsewhere for other websites etc.
• Make sure that you keep your computer/laptop's security up to date. For example, ensure you have a firewall set up and regularly up date your antivirus systems, as well performing scans every now and then to check for spyware or malicious files.
• All banks encrypt the data once you log into online banking through their websites. So as long as can see the padlock above in the web address box, the box highlights green and the web address changes to https you should be alright. As this means that you have securely connected through to the banks online banking system and your data should now be encrypted.
• Be careful when using online banking through a wireless conection (wifi), make sure your wifi is secure so that nobody could also be using it to watch what your doing.
• As i'm sure you already know, but i'll tell anyway just incase, about phishing scams. If ever get an email from your bank (or any other bank) straight away be extremely careful. 9 times out of 10 they will be phishing scam designed by fraudsters to get your details from you. The way to usually tell if an email is a phishing scam is firstly, do you even have an account with that bank in particular? Trust me i've had dozens of emails from random banks who i don't even bank with so i know straight away it's dodgy. Secondly, if there is an attachment or a link in the email whatever you do...DO NOT open it! It will either lead you to a fake website which looks like the original and it will ask you for your login details. Or it will contain a virus or harmful content for your computer/laptop. Another way to tell, is if the email is addressed to you or if it is general. If it is a legitmate email it will most likely contain your name and maybe a few of your details like post code to prove that it is your bank. But even so be careful, as this personal info can be easily obtained by fraudsters from your rubbish bin for example. And lastly, these phishing scam emails tend to be about the subject that your account has been hacked or something along those lines. They are supposed to make you panic and want to check your account quickly (through their dodgy link). If you are concerned at all about the safety of your accounts then just simply pop into the branch next time your out or give them a call if you have telephone banking. But in my opinion, going to the branch is the most secure way of checking anything about your accounts, so if you are concerned just check through there. And if you have accidentally opened the attachment or clicked the link on the email, then i would strongly suggest you urgently carry out security scans on your computer/laptop and check everything so that you haven't got any spyware or anything.
• Finally, as some previous posters mentioned some banks do have some extra security measures in place such as Natwest have security software called Rapport you can download and there are also card reader machines which look like mini calculators . You can find out if your bank does have one of these devices by just asking next time your in branch or checking their website. They are very good and do improve the security but i have heard they can be very fiddly.

Well that's everything i can remember off the top of my head, if you want any more information you can always check the banks websites as they are bound to have information on how to keep safe with internet banking. Also, by the way most banks do have a guarantee in place of where they will refund any losses that you may have through fraud but as long as you took reasonable measures such as contacting them, keeping your details secure etc. But OP don't worry too much, thousands if not millions of people use online banking everyday and it is very safe and soo convenient. If you have any questions feel free to ask me and i'll try my best to answer them if not you can check the banks websites for more information.
Hope that helps

[Tycho]

Your online banking is pretty much the most secure website you are likely to be using regularly. It's very secure. Having said that, it's not impossible for someone to get in. The good news is that even if they do manage to get in they are unlikely to be able to transfer much from your account. Most banks have another layer of authorisation before a new recipient can be set-up, and this would likely alert you to a problem. Existing recipients wouldn't help them; for instance there would be no point in a hacker transferring all your money to your mum.

Besides, I wouldn't worry about people breaking into your online banking after having hacked TSR. Students are notorious for having hardly any money so the potential benefits of hacking into one's account are small. Old people - who are typically poor with technology/security and have lots of savings - are a far more attractive target.