On-line banking security software

S

sooty

New Member
I have just signed up for on-line banking and currently just use MSE as my anti virus software.

I've looked at the bank's website and whilst it mentions things they do and what you should it doesn't go into details obviously.

Is MSE enough or should I be adding another (preferably Free!!) anti-spy or whatever software to improve my security?

I have heard of cases where banks have declined to compensate customers where money has been stolen based on their level of security and I don't want to take any unnecessary risk.

Any advice will be very welcome. Thanks.
 
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MSE is one of the recommended programs to use. All you really need is some common sense when surfing the web. Don't visit any porn sites, install a browser addon that will help you determine if a site it safe or not when doing searches. Web of Trust is a good one.

http://www.mywot.com/

Most antivirus programs have this addon as well, not sure if MSE does or not.
 
Generally if I know I'm going to be doing some online banking within the next couple days, I tend to run malwarebytes and mse in safe mode on a full scan the night before and then just run ccleaner after that. And of course don't go on porn or sketch sites.
 
johnb35 said:
MSE is one of the recommended programs to use. All you really need is some common sense when surfing the web. Don't visit any porn sites, install a browser addon that will help you determine if a site it safe or not when doing searches. Web of Trust is a good one.

http://www.mywot.com/

Most antivirus programs have this addon as well, not sure if MSE does or not.
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johnb

Thank you, I'll take your advice.

Best wishes.
 
Viision said:
Generally if I know I'm going to be doing some online banking within the next couple days, I tend to run malwarebytes and mse in safe mode on a full scan the night before and then just run ccleaner after that. And of course don't go on porn or sketch sites.
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I know I'm going to regret this but what is a sketch site? :)

Can you say why you run MSE in safe mode and how you do it?

Is it OK to have malwarebytes as well as Microsoft Essentials as I've heard it said conflict can arise in some cases?

Cheers.
 
sketch should have been sketchy. And no, you will not have any issues with running malwarebytes along side of MSE. Malwarebytes isn't an active scanner, only an on demand scanner. The trial version for the first 14 days is actively scanning but you'll have no issues.
 
Viision said:
I know it should have been sketchy lol but I was just saying running malwarebytes before doing online banking can't hurt. Maybe if your familiar with linux you can get a live cd and run it off that.

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Here's linux puppy its nice for older machines but very easy to use as well.

http://puppylinux.org/main/Download Latest Release.htm#lucidpuppy
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I thought being a novice I was about to learn of a new type of website I'd never heard of. :D

As I'll be using my wife's laptop to do on-line banking I'll have to convince her that downloading programmes like malwarebytes is safe.

I'm a real novice but in Computer Active ages ago it talked about linux and on my old XP pc I downloaded linux mint but I couldn't get it to connect to the web so gave up.

Do I need a different bit of kit to get a linux machine to connect to the web? I use a USB Micro Next adaptor to connect my old pc with XP and I just type in my password and off it goes? Is there a wireless adaptor specifically for linux, then?

Incidentally is linux safer than Windows 7 (on my wife's laptop) and does that not also need anti-virus softare anyway?

Lots of questions, I'm sorry but help is appreciated.
 
johnb35 said:
sketch should have been sketchy. And no, you will not have any issues with running malwarebytes along side of MSE. Malwarebytes isn't an active scanner, only an on demand scanner. The trial version for the first 14 days is actively scanning but you'll have no issues.
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Hi, johnb,

Sketchy, in English, means vague or an outline, as in a drawing, so maybe in today's jargon it's meaning has changed slightly. I was certainly puzzled. :)

Thanks for the response.
 
The best thing about linux is you can run it straight from a CD/DVD or a USB stick. As for security linux is a lot more secure and that is one of the things that linux really banks on. I would download a copy of linux puppy and burn it to a cd.

Link to how to make a Linux Puppy Live CD.

Note: Scroll down till you see "A good tutorial for USB install of Puppy Linux is made available as PDF." Select your language and follow the instructions.

http://puppylinux.org/main/How NOT to install Puppy.htm

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As for the internet you'll need a driver for Linux so if you can just give me the name of your adapter I can search for you and give you a link.
 
I would recommend though using what you are comfortable with because there are always someone can get your information. I would recommend not doing online banking because nothing is fool proof. I DO NOT want to give you a false sense of security using this live cd there is still a chance they can get your information. In my opinion it is better to use linux live CD.
 
Viision said:
I would recommend though using what you are comfortable with because there are always someone can get your information. I would recommend not doing online banking because nothing is fool proof. I DO NOT want to give you a false sense of security using this live cd there is still a chance they can get your information. In my opinion it is better to use linux live CD.
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Hi, mate

I'm a bit confused by this do you think it best to stick with W7 and MSE plus malwarebytes rather than use Linux for banking purposes? That was what I intend to do anyway.

I'd still be interested in trying Linux puppy on my old XP PC just to familiarise myself with Linux but just for fun really.

My adaptor is called Micro Next USB wireless adaptor but it seems it only works with Windows. It has MN-WD546J printed on the box.

Incidentally does malwarebytes do things Microsoft Security Essentials doesn't or is it just a belt and braces job?

Best wishes.
 
Just another note and not mentioned. Yes, google and search and clicking on a link can get you in trouble. Then its to late.

If you have it then use a virtual keyboard. I know its built into 7 pro and ultimate.
Some virus programs like Kaspersky internet security. Im also looking at mywot which i find interesting. And yes we do everything on line like banking and purchasing.
 
sooty said:
Hi, mate

I'm a bit confused by this do you think it best to stick with W7 and MSE plus malwarebytes rather than use Linux for banking purposes? That was what I intend to do anyway.

I'd still be interested in trying Linux puppy on my old XP PC just to familiarise myself with Linux but just for fun really.

My adaptor is called Micro Next USB wireless adaptor but it seems it only works with Windows. It has MN-WD546J printed on the box.

Incidentally does malwarebytes do things Microsoft Security Essentials doesn't or is it just a belt and braces job?

Best wishes.
Click to expand...

I was just saying that there are chances with Linux as well nothing is fool proof. Its still not as risky as windows though. I would still use Linux but don't think just because its Linux that nothing can happen.

Malwarebytes picks up more severe types of attacks recommend keeping it alongside MSE.
 
Viision said:
I was just saying that there are chances with Linux as well nothing is fool proof. Its still not as risky as windows though. I would still use Linux but don't think just because its Linux that nothing can happen.

Malwarebytes picks up more severe types of attacks recommend keeping it alongside MSE.
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Hi.
Thanks for that.

If you can find drivers for my wi-fi adaptor for Linux and give me a link that would be great.

Otherwise I will need to buy a new adaptor suitable for Linux and maybe you can point me in the right direction.

Thanks for all your help.
 
Generally Linux has drivers already embedded. Just so you know wired connection is a lot safer than wireless as well. Have you tried booting from the CD and seeing if it picks up the drivers?
 
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