Using PC's for internet banking in India (or Anywhere!)

antisense · Sep 23rd, 2007, 21:16

Hi there

I'll be in India soon and I am just wondering what people think about using computers in internet cafes or hotels to do internet banking.

I am always worried that someone may have installed a keylogger or something similar that may record my details.

Common sense would dictate that if I am concerned, then I probably shouldn't do it, but I will probably need to manage my finances while I'm there.

Has anyone been caught out by this? Am I just being paranoid?

Cheers,

Antisense ^_^

Aishah · Sep 23rd, 2007, 21:55

Someone once told me that if it is Broadband it is more risky - I don't know how true this is. I used to use an internet shop near where I was living before, very nice, honest people there and no problem. My daughter came over this year and wouldn't use any outside computer - she only used the trekking company one because they could be trusted. I have in an emergency when I have been away a couple of times used computers in places where I was staying with no problems. Now i only use my laptop and have no need to go out. I would also be interested in the answer to this question.

edwardseco · Sep 23rd, 2007, 22:49

This is a complicated area and requires some depth. However, it would be good to set up a thumb drive beforehand to do this sort of transaction safely. There is at least one thread on this topic on this site. Watch out for keyloggers! I found one on my work computer. It could be helpful to take AVG and Ad-Aware, etc. with you as well..

Nick-H · Sep 23rd, 2007, 23:07

In the first place, there is no such thing as a machine that can be trusted. It is not the people; it is the machine.

I could not guarantee to anyone that my own machine is free of nasties, though I take normal precautions, and I am probably more careful than most. People have very little idea how bots, trojans, keyloggers etc etc get on to their systems in the firat place --- and I'm afraid I don't either, these days!

I have not had occasion to do a great deal of Internet Banking recently, but before I had a local account here I did a great deal, both from my home and from internet cafes. I never had any problem.

I'd say that a great deal depends on the working of your bank's site.

Does it ask you for complete passwords? or for randomly chosen characters? The logging of a few randomly requested characters from your passwords is not going to get the owner of a keylogger very far into your account.

Do you pay your credit card online? Again... if it set up already, so that all you do is choose an account from a menu, and enter a sum --- I do not think that exposes you to potential problems.

I have, in the past, very much relied on internet banking.

camelgirl · Sep 23rd, 2007, 23:28

I have done internet banking and paid my credit cards at small and completely unknown to me internet cafes in India. I have not had any problem. Some of my sites have complex sign in procedures and some have more basic ones.

My only protection is to check my online accounts to see that nothing unusual has occurred, like missing money or extra charges. So far, it's worked out fine.

Ironically, the only big problem I had was during the month I was in India, one of my credit cards changed its issuing bank and I could NOT get into my account to pay it as all my sign in information had disappeared. I had to call the U.S. from the internet cafe for 2 days trying to sort it out. But they had a very, very inexpensive internet phone set up, so it was just a few rupees a call.

I would say not to worry about it. Just use public internet cafes but check your accounts often to look for any funny business

Nick-H · Sep 24th, 2007, 00:10

Oddly enough, I had to do some internet stuff yesterday, and found that a regular payee had disappeared from my online data.

I called the bank in UK, using my mobile phone, held for a minute or two, talked out the problem, maybe three or four minutes... call charge Rs.38! So even the most expensive method of calling overseas is pretty cheap, on an Indian mobile.

Which makes me think, as I type... most big banks offer telephone banking. If you are really worried about security, but need to manage your accounts from here, then that is, albeit not as cheap as internet, a feasible way of doing it.

Best to do it in the shower, though --- in case your room is bugged

Rama · Sep 24th, 2007, 01:06

Doing your Internet banking in a cyberafe or any 3rd party computer is like giving all of your Internet banking information to a 3rd party person to bank on your behalf. This person may just take your instructions and all of your information about your bank accounts, do what you instructed, and destroy all evidence of your bank information. Or this person may keep that bank information, sell it, give it away or use it. You never know and anyone who knows how to run a cybercafe will know how to keep/record your precious bank information as it is very trivial to do.

Step back and think it through: would you entrust your precious banking information to an anonymous individual? If not, then why would you do so to an anonymous computer run by an anonymous person?

In one way, it is even worse because a computer may have a virus, torjan or keylogger that will record your information without the knowledge of the computer owner!

Now this does not mean that every cybercafe owner and employee is out to steal your information. And it is even possible to be very safe doing Internet banking at such places, but you really need to understand computer security so as to protect yourself against threats. And those threats are much more complicated than people think, making people overconfident in their abilities to protect themselves.

Nick-H · Sep 24th, 2007, 01:44

OK, so why then, doesn't my bank say, Do not do your internet banking with this site on a public or cafe PC. ?

brownboy66 · Sep 24th, 2007, 01:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-H

Which makes me think, as I type... most big banks offer telephone banking. If you are really worried about security, but need to manage your accounts from here, then that is, albeit not as cheap as internet, a feasible way of doing it.

excellent common sense suggestion. An overseas call is a small price to pay for piece of mind.

Quote:

Best to do it in the shower, though --- in case your room is bugged

I'd love to be in the bank call centre on the other end of that phone call...."is that running water I can hear...."?

Personally - I use internet banking all the time - but only from home. Public PCs are for public requirements - banking is personal.

camelgirl · Sep 24th, 2007, 02:25

Here in the U.S. where identity theft is a huge problem, I have read that using the internet to do your banking is far safer than doing it the old fashioned way, by mail. Apparently, stealing your personal information is more commonly done by stealing your mail! Out of the garbage and out of your mailbox!

Just to keep a perspective on the somewhat hysterical though well meaning post by Rama, he is right, but so what!! I've still got to do personal financial things in a public internet cafe and I can only just keep checking my accounts to make sure they are not compromised.

Life is full of risks--especially in India--like crossing a street or taking a rickshaw or bus or train. Sh*t happens but we have to do the best we can or else become agoraphobic.

Before the internet I brought all my funds to India in traveler checks and had only one American Express credit card because it was the only one you could pay in person in India at an American Express office (in a few big cities). I am so happy I don't have to do that anymore. I'll take my chances on the internet, being as cautious as possible.

Nick-H · Sep 24th, 2007, 02:47

I'm always interested to learn more about the risks...

But I'd say that the biggest is walking away from the PC leaving yourself logged in!

My bank has a 'tick here if at a shared machine' box which makes it time out quicker.

antisense · Sep 24th, 2007, 06:28

Looks like I wasn't alone in my concerns!

I think that the suggestion of telephone banking is probably the safest

My online banking site uses a simple user ID and alpha numeric password to log in. I know some sites (like my wife's) use a third password that you have to enter by mouse click on a keypad. This seems like a much more common sense way to ensure keyloggers can't capture important information. Don't know why all banks don't adopt this... Then again if you are REALLY paranoid

you would have to worry about who is watching your screen!!

Tin foil hat anyone??

Antisense ^_^

Hyderabadi · Sep 24th, 2007, 07:12

If you have a USB flash memory card, 1gb plus you could install portable Firefox and a whole bunch of other applications including ClamWin antivirus portable... guess you'd be pretty safe!

Can't beat the price too, at $ 00.00

:
http://portableapps.com/

Aishah · Sep 24th, 2007, 08:31

I'm off to look at the Keyloggers thread - never heard of any of this until I read this thread. Some useful info here but I tend to be more like Camelgirl.. you can get a bit paranoid in India!

antisense · Sep 24th, 2007, 08:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hyderabadi

If you have a USB flash memory card, 1gb plus you could install portable Firefox and a whole bunch of other applications including ClamWin antivirus portable... guess you'd be pretty safe!

Can't beat the price too, at $ 00.00

:
http://portableapps.com/

Hyderabadi.. you genius!!

Thats a great idea

I have had a look at portable apps and it is awesome!! Now all I have to do is take firefox and a few other apps and use bookmarks so i don't have to enter cleartext information.

Nice work champ!

Antisense ^_^

Sep 23rd, 2007, 21:16	#1
antisense Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 52	Using PC's for internet banking in India (or Anywhere!) Hi there I'll be in India soon and I am just wondering what people think about using computers in internet cafes or hotels to do internet banking. I am always worried that someone may have installed a keylogger or something similar that may record my details. Common sense would dictate that if I am concerned, then I probably shouldn't do it, but I will probably need to manage my finances while I'm there. Has anyone been caught out by this? Am I just being paranoid? Cheers, Antisense ^_^

Sep 23rd, 2007, 21:55	#2
Aishah She-who-must-be-obeyed! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Jaisalmer Posts: 3,786	Someone once told me that if it is Broadband it is more risky - I don't know how true this is. I used to use an internet shop near where I was living before, very nice, honest people there and no problem. My daughter came over this year and wouldn't use any outside computer - she only used the trekking company one because they could be trusted. I have in an emergency when I have been away a couple of times used computers in places where I was staying with no problems. Now i only use my laptop and have no need to go out. I would also be interested in the answer to this question. __________________ "Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards."

Sep 23rd, 2007, 23:07	#4
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 24,623	In the first place, there is no such thing as a machine that can be trusted. It is not the people; it is the machine. I could not guarantee to anyone that my own machine is free of nasties, though I take normal precautions, and I am probably more careful than most. People have very little idea how bots, trojans, keyloggers etc etc get on to their systems in the firat place --- and I'm afraid I don't either, these days! I have not had occasion to do a great deal of Internet Banking recently, but before I had a local account here I did a great deal, both from my home and from internet cafes. I never had any problem. I'd say that a great deal depends on the working of your bank's site. Does it ask you for complete passwords? or for randomly chosen characters? The logging of a few randomly requested characters from your passwords is not going to get the owner of a keylogger very far into your account. Do you pay your credit card online? Again... if it set up already, so that all you do is choose an account from a menu, and enter a sum --- I do not think that exposes you to potential problems. I have, in the past, very much relied on internet banking. __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Sep 24th, 2007, 02:25	#10
camelgirl 10 year Visa okee dokee Join Date: May 2005 Location: Swannanoa NC usa Posts: 947	Here in the U.S. where identity theft is a huge problem, I have read that using the internet to do your banking is far safer than doing it the old fashioned way, by mail. Apparently, stealing your personal information is more commonly done by stealing your mail! Out of the garbage and out of your mailbox! Just to keep a perspective on the somewhat hysterical though well meaning post by Rama, he is right, but so what!! I've still got to do personal financial things in a public internet cafe and I can only just keep checking my accounts to make sure they are not compromised. Life is full of risks--especially in India--like crossing a street or taking a rickshaw or bus or train. Sht happens but we have to do the best we can or else become agoraphobic. Before the internet I brought all my funds to India in traveler checks and had only one American Express credit card because it was the only one you could pay in person in India at an American Express office (in a few big cities). I am so happy I don't have to do that anymore. I'll take my chances on the internet, being as cautious as possible. __________________ My selected India photos* http://www.indiamike.com/photopost/s...r/7030/cat/500

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Sep 23rd, 2007, 22:49	#3
edwardseco Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Land that shakes and bakes. Posts: 3,586	This is a complicated area and requires some depth. However, it would be good to set up a thumb drive beforehand to do this sort of transaction safely. There is at least one thread on this topic on this site. Watch out for keyloggers! I found one on my work computer. It could be helpful to take AVG and Ad-Aware, etc. with you as well..

Sep 23rd, 2007, 23:28	#5
camelgirl 10 year Visa okee dokee Join Date: May 2005 Location: Swannanoa NC usa Posts: 947	I have done internet banking and paid my credit cards at small and completely unknown to me internet cafes in India. I have not had any problem. Some of my sites have complex sign in procedures and some have more basic ones. My only protection is to check my online accounts to see that nothing unusual has occurred, like missing money or extra charges. So far, it's worked out fine. Ironically, the only big problem I had was during the month I was in India, one of my credit cards changed its issuing bank and I could NOT get into my account to pay it as all my sign in information had disappeared. I had to call the U.S. from the internet cafe for 2 days trying to sort it out. But they had a very, very inexpensive internet phone set up, so it was just a few rupees a call. I would say not to worry about it. Just use public internet cafes but check your accounts often to look for any funny business

Sep 24th, 2007, 00:10	#6
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 24,623	Oddly enough, I had to do some internet stuff yesterday, and found that a regular payee had disappeared from my online data. I called the bank in UK, using my mobile phone, held for a minute or two, talked out the problem, maybe three or four minutes... call charge Rs.38! So even the most expensive method of calling overseas is pretty cheap, on an Indian mobile. Which makes me think, as I type... most big banks offer telephone banking. If you are really worried about security, but need to manage your accounts from here, then that is, albeit not as cheap as internet, a feasible way of doing it. Best to do it in the shower, though --- in case your room is bugged

Sep 24th, 2007, 01:06	#7
Rama Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Ayodhya Posts: 71	Doing your Internet banking in a cyberafe or any 3rd party computer is like giving all of your Internet banking information to a 3rd party person to bank on your behalf. This person may just take your instructions and all of your information about your bank accounts, do what you instructed, and destroy all evidence of your bank information. Or this person may keep that bank information, sell it, give it away or use it. You never know and anyone who knows how to run a cybercafe will know how to keep/record your precious bank information as it is very trivial to do. Step back and think it through: would you entrust your precious banking information to an anonymous individual? If not, then why would you do so to an anonymous computer run by an anonymous person? In one way, it is even worse because a computer may have a virus, torjan or keylogger that will record your information without the knowledge of the computer owner! Now this does not mean that every cybercafe owner and employee is out to steal your information. And it is even possible to be very safe doing Internet banking at such places, but you really need to understand computer security so as to protect yourself against threats. And those threats are much more complicated than people think, making people overconfident in their abilities to protect themselves.

Sep 24th, 2007, 01:44	#8
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 24,623	OK, so why then, doesn't my bank say, Do not do your internet banking with this site on a public or cafe PC. ?

Sep 24th, 2007, 02:47	#11
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 24,623	I'm always interested to learn more about the risks... But I'd say that the biggest is walking away from the PC leaving yourself logged in! My bank has a 'tick here if at a shared machine' box which makes it time out quicker.

Sep 24th, 2007, 06:28	#12
antisense Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 52	Looks like I wasn't alone in my concerns! I think that the suggestion of telephone banking is probably the safest My online banking site uses a simple user ID and alpha numeric password to log in. I know some sites (like my wife's) use a third password that you have to enter by mouse click on a keypad. This seems like a much more common sense way to ensure keyloggers can't capture important information. Don't know why all banks don't adopt this... Then again if you are REALLY paranoid you would have to worry about who is watching your screen!! Tin foil hat anyone?? Antisense ^_^

Sep 24th, 2007, 07:12	#13
Hyderabadi Maha Guru Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: GA,USA. Posts: 1,056	If you have a USB flash memory card, 1gb plus you could install portable Firefox and a whole bunch of other applications including ClamWin antivirus portable... guess you'd be pretty safe! Can't beat the price too, at $ 00.00 : http://portableapps.com/

Sep 24th, 2007, 08:31	#14
Aishah She-who-must-be-obeyed! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Jaisalmer Posts: 3,786	I'm off to look at the Keyloggers thread - never heard of any of this until I read this thread. Some useful info here but I tend to be more like Camelgirl.. you can get a bit paranoid in India!

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