Internet Banking on ubuntu?

[Whiptaka]

Hi guys,

Was wondering if it's safe to do online banking on Ubuntu (or any linux OS for that matter) ? I'm new at linux and just want to clarify if it's safe and why, since there are apparently no security issues with it?

Thanks

 

[Other Pineapple Smurf]

I only use LINUX (Ubuntu) for my internet banking.

A bank insists on IE, I do not bank with them.

Will security issues will always exists in any OS and browser, some limit the risks.

 

[HavocXphere]

If anything then it is safer than other alternatives.

 

[noswal]

Its safe because the viruses and keyloggers that can compromise your pc operate on windows systems

 

[Whiptaka]

So with Linux you are absolutely safe from viruses and malware?

 

[noswal]

yes.

Or to be even safer... boot from live cd, connect and do your banking and then uninstall... should anything download it goes to an environment that is then deleted.

 

[nakedpeanut]

In the world of computers... You are never absolutely safe! unless your PC never connects to anything! No internet, no cellphone, no flash drives no externals... But then what would be the use of the PC?

 

[kingrob]

So with Linux you are absolutely safe from viruses and malware?

Linux is just as safe as a pc or Mac to do your online banking on, if that is your main concern.

If you do use online banking, always check the little padlock in the top right of the browser for the signed certificate of the web site. Safety is your responsibility as well.

 

[Tassidar]

An investigative series I've been writing about organized cyber crime gangs stealing millions of dollars from small to mid-sized businesses has generated more than a few responses from business owners who were concerned about how best to protect themselves from this type of fraud.

The simplest, most cost-effective answer I know of? Don't use Microsoft Windows when accessing your bank account online.

I do not offer this recommendation lightly (and at the end of this column you'll find a link to another column wherein I explain an easy-to-use alternative). But I have interviewed dozens of victim companies that lost anywhere from $10,000 to $500,000 dollars because of a single malware infection. I have heard stories worthy of a screenplay about the myriad ways cyber crooks are evading nearly every security obstacle the banks put in their way.

But regardless of the methods used by the bank or the crooks, all of the attacks shared a single, undeniable common denominator: They succeeded because the bad guys were able to plant malicious software that gave them complete control over the victim's Windows computer.

Cheese sauce

This was an article on Washington Post from a while back.

 

[milomak]

To suggest changing OSes will cure you of any internet banking related crime is preposterous. if you click a fake link in an email that leads you to what you believe is your bank's internet site, no OS will save you from compromising your bank details.

 

[w1z4rd]

Linux is safer to use for Internet Banking thank Windows.

 

[milomak]

the question you have to ask is how many internet banking issues arise from keyloggers as opposed to those where people respond to official looking emails giving their details. the latter will happen no matter what OS you use.

 

[Logicklz]

go check out this website... found this link when i browse your question on google

http://www.safebanking.co.za/

 

[Other Pineapple Smurf]

The reality is that its easier to attack Windows users for now so they guys ignore Linux and Mac. My Dad is in Texas and he was telling me last year how a very popular tech talk radio presenter in the Southern Region of the States was recommending that people purchase at least a netbook with Linux to do their internet banking and online shopping.

Its also ironic that my Dad was never a victim of identity theft in SA, but in last year he was caught out in the States. Teach him to use Windows

 

[murraybiscuit]

the issue in the past was not so much around security rather than compatibility as most ib sites relied on ie.
most banks cater to ff now which is available on linux.
it's debtable whether linux is inherently any safer than modern versions of windows (that's for another thread)
windows is just an easier target because is has a wider user base, and the users are typically less educated around security.

 

[Swift-wp]

I personally don't do internet banking on Windows. Linux is much more secure. Obviously it won't protect you against phishing.

 

[Whiptaka]

Thanks for everyone's input. Well it's clear that one can't be protected from phishing by an OS, but I presume you're safe from actual malware penetrating the file system?

 

[kingrob]

Thanks for everyone's input. Well it's clear that one can't be protected from phishing by an OS, but I presume you're safe from actual malware penetrating the file system?

Just some common sense is needed.

*Always READ the notices on your bank's online banking portal & their security - there is a wealth of information there
*never give out passwords to anyone
*check for the signed server certificate

 

[Whiptaka]

Sweet.

Just out of curiosity, let's say that a USB flash drive is infected with malware and inserted into a Linux machine. There's no way that it can be executed by the OS? (Linux noob here)

 

[MyWorld]

Nope, no way. Even if it is a Linux worm or trojan you will need to give it permission to do it's dirty work and then chances are about a rough estimate of 90% that it won't even work.