Secure Internet Banking
- Thread starter tljack
- Start date
danemayer
Well-known member
Hi Terry,
Security is relative. Your browser software (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome or others) will provide a basic level of security. But if you're using public wifi, like at a Panera's, a skilled operator could spoof the Panera network and compromise your security. Wifi at a campground has similar exposures, but might be less likely to be frequented by the skilled operator looking to take over your computer.
Corporations often use a software protocol called Point-to-point Tunneling that creates a very secure connection even on a public network, but to the best of my knowledge, banks are not offering Tunneling to their online banking customers.
If you get a MiFi or Jetpack (with accompanying data plan) your computer will make a connection to the Verizon or AT&T or Sprint, or T-Mobile cellular data network with a much higher level of security than any public wifi. This is similar to the data connection you'd have with a smartphone, but it uses your computer. I would say this is your best option.
Security is relative. Your browser software (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome or others) will provide a basic level of security. But if you're using public wifi, like at a Panera's, a skilled operator could spoof the Panera network and compromise your security. Wifi at a campground has similar exposures, but might be less likely to be frequented by the skilled operator looking to take over your computer.
Corporations often use a software protocol called Point-to-point Tunneling that creates a very secure connection even on a public network, but to the best of my knowledge, banks are not offering Tunneling to their online banking customers.
If you get a MiFi or Jetpack (with accompanying data plan) your computer will make a connection to the Verizon or AT&T or Sprint, or T-Mobile cellular data network with a much higher level of security than any public wifi. This is similar to the data connection you'd have with a smartphone, but it uses your computer. I would say this is your best option.
wesley1963
Wes
I agree with Dan about getting a MiFi or similar. We also have a netbook for banking only, no email or surfing with that one.
My wife pays most all the bills online. She uses the websites of the companies she's paying, all of them (we use) have secured sites for paying. She uses our banks website to also pay a couple of payments.
We have a Verizon air card and a wireless router that we use at home or in the RV, and haven't had any problems with security. My wife was in banking for over 30 years so she is very careful when it comes to making payment on-line.
We have a Verizon air card and a wireless router that we use at home or in the RV, and haven't had any problems with security. My wife was in banking for over 30 years so she is very careful when it comes to making payment on-line.
TXBobcat
Fulltime
I use an MBR1000 Router and either a verizon or Sprint aircard. This gives me an electronic firewall and a software firewall from TrenMicro.
I do not log on to the bank to pay my bills. I have all my bills paid to my credit card. I log into my credit card online and have them (only them) draft my checking account one time. I receive emails from all the ones that charge to my credit card about two weeks before the draft payment.
I download all of my charges on my credit card from the internet to Quicken. I check my Credit card online about 2 or 3 times a week to make sure there are no unauthorized charges..
I am reasonablly sure about my access..
FWIW
BC
I do not log on to the bank to pay my bills. I have all my bills paid to my credit card. I log into my credit card online and have them (only them) draft my checking account one time. I receive emails from all the ones that charge to my credit card about two weeks before the draft payment.
I download all of my charges on my credit card from the internet to Quicken. I check my Credit card online about 2 or 3 times a week to make sure there are no unauthorized charges..
I am reasonablly sure about my access..
FWIW
BC
TXBobcat
Fulltime
mlburst1
Well-known member
We use either our WiFiRanger or Cradlepoint router to connect to public WiFi, either of which can use a Wifi signal as the ISP for the router - we are then protected on our own private network with WPA encryption - this is a very secure Internet connection and I don't hesitate to pay bills and conduct banking chores online.
jmgratz
Original Owners Club Member
We use a Mi-Fi device from ATT. The connection is encoded and password protected. I have used such a device for a number of years without issues. BTW why not get a smart phone? We love ours and I have an I-phone from ATT and the wife has an Androde phone from Verizon. We have service where ever as some place you cannot get ATT and some no Verizon. Having both works for us. It is nice being able to send and receive emails and/or photos while going down the road. Smart phone rule! IMHO
