Online banking is growing in popularity. However, experts point out that it is only possible to pay safely from secure computers and phones, the number of which is decreasing. Experts therefore warn the public to pay attention to their devices. Attackers often take advantage of people's inattention during the summer season. In addition, according to ESET data, the number of banking malware increased slightly in May.
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Czechs have become accustomed to using more internet and mobile banking during the pandemic. 40% of the population can handle all operations in them. Without the assistance of a banker, Czechs mainly carry out simpler transactions – mainly payments (88%) and applications for loans up to CZK 100,000 (62%). This is according to a survey by the Czech Republic in Data project . Paradoxically, however, the number of devices that are protected from cyber threats is decreasing. ESET has recorded a decrease in the use of antivirus programs for the first time since 2016. According to telemetry data, the risks associated with paying online are not decreasing, but rather the opposite. ESET analysts are also monitoring a slight increase in detections of banking malware. "Banking malware is not one of the most common types of infiltration in the Czech Republic. However, if a specific campaign is successful, the damage is usually in the order of tens to hundreds of thousands of crowns. Applications also regularly appear that try to extract sensitive data from users, such as payment card details, in various ways. It is good to be aware of this risk," describes the situation Václav Zubr, a security expert at the Czech branch of ESET.
Czechs use data when traveling
Last year, the number of people using antivirus on their laptop or smartphone dropped by 2 percentage points. This is a very dangerous trend. In addition, with the summer season comes a period when many users are even less concerned about security. "Many people are understandably less vigilant on vacation. And attackers are very aware of this. The good news, however, is that people are increasingly using their operator's data plan when traveling - whether domestically or abroad - instead of various public Wi-Fi networks, which are often not secure. A data plan is generally the most suitable connection method for sensitive operations, such as payments or various types of communication," Zubr adds to the data.
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Principles of data protection on holiday
Experts recommend checking your device before you go on vacation. In the case of payments using your mobile phone, they advise downloading the official bank app from the store. Google Play a App Store. "The basis for safe payment is always a secure device and an original banking application. ProI would definitely recommend using some reliable security software on all devices and updating them regularly. In our experience, people often underestimate updates, especially on phones. Although it is essentially a small portable computer, in which we all carry a huge amount of personal data, " Zubr advises.
When making online payments by card or transfer via electronic banking, it is necessary to carefully check the page on which you enter your card details or login details. A legitimate page must use an encrypted https connection. Fraudulent pages are common, the graphic design and name of which resemble legitimate bank pages. Experts therefore recommend always logging in via the official website of a specific bank and not via a link in an email, chator search engine.
Some security products allow the use of a special browser for online banking, which enables encrypted communication between the user and the bank. In this case, the risk of data misuse is reduced. mini"Payment security has also been significantly helped by the new PSD2 directive of the European Union. Since last September, banks have to verify payments more strongly. For example, in the first step you enter the card number and CVV code, and in the second you confirm the payment in the bank's application. Banks also offer simple fingerprint payment verification,” says Bison.
