Frequently Asked Questions

Security and You

1. How do I know if I have 128-bit SSL encryption?

   Internet Explorer browser

   • In Internet Explorer, click on Help and select About Internet Explorer.
   • The window that pops up should say "Cipher strength: 128-bit".

   Netscape browser

   • In Navigator or Communicator, click on Help and select About Navigator (or Communicator).
   • Look for the section that reads “Contains encryption software from RSA Data Security, Inc”.
   • If the next paragraph says This version supports U.S. security, that means you have 128-bit security.
   • If it says you have International security, that means you have 40-bit security.

2. Can I upgrade the encryption level of my browser without upgrading the version?

   That depends on the browser and version you are currently using.

   If you are using a version of Internet Explorer prior to Version 4, you must perform a full upgrade to Version 5 with 128-bit encryption.
   If you are using Version 4 or later of Internet Explorer, you can perform a partial 128-bit encryption-only upgrade.

   For more information, click here.

   Netscape browsers that are lower than version 6 do not have a 128-bit encryption-only upgrade. You must perform a full upgrade to the latest version of Netscape and specifically request 128-bit Strong Encryption. For Netscape 6 and higher you can download the SmartUpdate Plugin which will allow you to update the browser to 128 bit without installing a whole new browser.

   For more information, click here.

3. Why do we need 128-bit SSL encryption?

   POSB iBanking is a VeriSign Secure Site and with Verisign logo which appears on DBS / POSB iBanking site. The seal will show customer the valid SSL cert and validity of the DBS / POSB iBanking site. This is an assurance that the site runs legitimately under the care of POSB Bank. All information is sent in a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) session and is encrypted to protect you against unintentional information disclosure to third parties.

   The 128-bit SSL encryption we use is currently the industry's strongest. Any data you send through iBanking will be scrambled into an unrecognised form before it is transmitted to our server where only the Bank has the special key to decode it. The information we send to you is similarly protected.

   In view of the need to provide better internet security and in accordance with regulatory guidelines and best practices, the bank needs to ensure our customers upgrade their browser to comply with the 128-bit encryption requirement so that they can continue to conduct their iBanking services with confidence.

   Please refer to the following instructions on the browser encryption verification and upgrading procedures.

4. What are the security features of POSB iBanking?

   The security features which we have put in place include:

   • Industry's strongest 128-bit SSL encryption
   • Verisign logo displayed shows the validity of SSL cert and DBS/POSB iBanking site
   • Personal Identification Number (PIN) and unique User Identification (UID)
   • Automatic Logout Feature
   • Constant and Vigilant Monitoring
   • Regular Review and Audit

   Find out more on POSB Bank's Security Practices

5. How secure is my PIN?

   The bank never store or transmit your PIN unencrypted. On top of the 128-bit SSL encryption, we employ Java applet to encrypt your PIN even before it transmitted from your computer to our server.

   While the bank employs various level of security to protect your PIN, you do have an important role to play in safeguarding the security of your computer and the confidentiality of your PIN.

   Click here to find out more on what steps you should take

6. The lock disappears in the middle of my iBanking session. Is my session still secure?

   For Internet Explorer browsers, the padlock is not a reliable indicator of whether the pages and information are encrypted with SSL as it may remain “unlocked” even though the pages are actually encrypted with SSL. To verify the SSL encryption, simply:

   Internet Explorer browser

   • Right click your mouse
   • Select "Properties"

   For Netscape browser

   • Right click your mouse (For Mac computer, hold down "control" key while your click)
   • Select "View Frame Info" or "View Page Info"

7. Why is it that I am able to view my previously visited pages?

   This is a feature of your browser as your previously visited pages are stored in your computer cache to allow a faster experience when you visit the site again. Once you have logged off, or been timed out by the system, no one is able to take control of your iBanking as a login is required.

   To ensure that no one is able to view your previously visitied pages, please clear your cache after each iBanking session.
   Click "OK" to save your setting .

8. What should I do if I see 'This program has performed an illegal operation' on my PC?

   This is commonly known as GPF (General Protection Fault). You'll have to restart your browser. If the problem persists, please consult your PC vendor.

9. How do I prevent my User ID/ PIN from being stored in my browser?

   Some browsers store and list possible matches from entries that you have typed previously. You can prevent any User ID/PIN from being stored in your browsers by de-activating the function:

   Internet Explorer

   • Launch your Internet Explorer browser and click on "Tools" >> "Internet Options" >> "Content".
   • Under "Personal Information", click on "AutoComplete".
   • Uncheck "User names and passwords on forms" and click on "Clear Passwords".
   • Click on "OK" to save your settings

   Netscape 7.0

   • Go to "Netscape" or "Edit"
   • Select "Preferences"
   • Double click on "Privacy & Security"
   • Click on "Passwords"
   • Ensure that "Remember passwords" under "Password Manager" is unchecked
   • Click "OK" to save your settings