Sparkasse defends itself against fraudsters and rip-offs who are targeting their customers. With the security browser S-Protect, they should no longer have a chance to intervene in online banking in the future. While the step is well-intentioned, the Sparkasse leans a little too far out of the window in places.
Sparkasse browser: This is how S-Protect protects you in online banking
Phishing attacks and other attempts by criminals to steal sensitive data, account information and ultimately your money are a plague on the internet. Because the rip-offs are unfortunately not infrequently successful with their scams, the savings bank is now relying on one Browser designed to offer more security for online banking. Customers are promised all-round protection for their own financial affairs.
The so-called hardened browser S-Protect is made available for this purpose, which increases security for users online. There is a very simple principle behind this. While normal Internet browsers can generally access all Internet pages, a “white list” works in the background with S-Protect. Here are the URLs stored that you can access via S-Protect. All other connections are not possible.
These procedures also ensure security in online banking:
The S-Protect browser should also be easy to install. It can be downloaded for both macOS and Windows directly from the Sparkasse, for example from Sparkasse Förde. S-Protect therefore offers secure protection against “data theft, phishing attacks, fake websites”. For example, no external links can be opened directly in the browser.
The rigorous security protocols also ensure that you do not visit other harmless websites can. Social media, YouTube or shopping in your favorite online shop are therefore not possible. Only the pages of the Sparkasse and its direct partners should be accessible via S-Protect.
This promise of the Sparkasse goes too far
However, the savings bank overshoots the mark with one promise: the security concept works so well “that S-Protect Safer online banking even on infected computers made possible,” writes the financial institution. We cannot verify whether this is true. You shouldn’t let that happen. If you are sure or fear that your laptop or PC is infected with malware, you should not continue working on it with your sensitive financial data.