Wash'n Post recommends Linux instead of Windows for Online Banking

[PeterCH]

einfeldt writes "Washington Post Security Fix columnist Brian Krebs recommends that banking customers consider using a Linux LiveCD, rather than Microsoft Windows, to access their on-line banking. He tells a story of two businesses that lost $100K and $447K, respectively, when thieves — armed with malware on the company controller's PC — were able to intercept one of the controller's log-in codes, and then delay the controller from logging in. Krebs notes that he is not alone in recommending the use of non-Windows machines for banking; The Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center, an industry group supported by some of the world's largest banks, recently issued guidelines urging businesses to carry out all online banking activities from 'a stand-alone, hardened, and completely locked down computer system from where regular e-mail and Web browsing [are] not possible.' Krebs concludes his article with a link to an earlier column in which he steps readers through the process of booting a Linux LiveCD to do their on-line banking." Police in Australia offer similar advice, according to an item sent in by reader The Mad Hatterz: "Detective Inspector Bruce van der Graaf from the Computer Crime Investigation Unit told the hearing that he uses two rules to protect himself from cybercriminals when banking online. The first rule, he said, was to never click on hyperlinks to the banking site and the second was to avoid Microsoft Windows."

Link.

 

[Other Pineapple Smurf]

Yeah, that is what I recommend as well - Linux / OSX to do your internet banking.

Big problem is that there are still many endusers that do not know how to secure their OS. They don't understand how AntiV products work and end up being victims.

 

[Tassidar]

Security remains one of the key reasons that I will recommend linux over windows to anyone who doesn't use a computer to play games or run windows only apps.

I've stopped using Windows for internet banking, preferring to use my AAO with Linux installed.

 

[Masked_Ichigo]

I use my Mac... but apparently Windows is more secure than Mac OS X:erm:

 

[PeterCH]

I use my Mac... but apparently Windows is more secure than Mac OS X:erm:

OSX can be hacked easier if someone can put a file on your machine. OSX doesn't randomise address space properly.

However, as long as you don't put and authorise non-approved softs on your Mac you will not get pwned. To get those you actually have to self download them or copy them off manually and then give them permissions (type in password).