Now, ING direct is offering a free download to customers that should further enhance security. The program is called Rapport, developed by Trusteer. It creates a secure connection to the bank that should thwart some common chinks in your computer's armor. You have to download and install the software.
This seems like an odd step for ING Direct. Their strategy has been to keep customer service costs extremely skinny, and you know that people will have difficulty with the software and call ING Direct -- even though customers are supposed to call Trusteer. Another criticism launched by the readers at BankDeals is that ING Direct should spend their time and money on improving rates as opposed to additional security. There are some other questions about the product's technical value on the BankDeals site as well.
Personally I don't think I'll use the security software. I feel comfortable enough with my web surfing habits and other precautions in place, so figuring out a new program seems like a waste of time and resources. However, this makes me wonder how many ING Direct customers are getting stung by scammers. If it's a meaningful number of people, then there's a much larger problem in the online banking world. As always, you should be very careful when reading emails, surfing, and doing your banking thing online.
Would you use a software program to make your banking transactions more secure? Tell us why or why not.
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