How safe is internet banking in the uk?

Question

I know hackers use all kinds of insidious means, like keystroke recording cookies etc. to try and get pin numbers and passwords off pc's. Is it safe to use internet banking from home then?

Answer 1

I don't think there is a clear yes-no answer. But, software can wind up on any PC that will record you keystrokes and send that data to someone. Odds are low, and if you have good software to protect your self it is unlikely to occur.
In the US there is no law that requires banks to "make good" losses customers suffer this way although they currently do.
But, that might not be the case in the UK. If someone via the net installs software on your machine connects to the bank and transfers your money to never never land you might have a VERY hard time making them believe that it was not you.
It's one thing to have your credit cards impacted this way it quite another to have your bank account looted even if a few months later it's corrected.

If the bank connection requires a different code every time you dial in (there are methods like this ) then I'd say it's OK, otherwise NO.

By the way I've talked to several different banks officers trying to determine if there is anyway to not allow any electronic transfer of funds out of my account, no luck.

Answer 2

There is no reason why internet banking would be different to any other western industrialised country. It is best to ensure you have all your anti-virus upto date.

It is worthwhile while to clear your cache and cookies before and after a banking session. Using an alternative operating system like Linux or MacOS may also help avoid nasties.