Having tried to log in online to my bank, I was welcomed with the following message -
"We are unfamiliar with the computer you are using"
- and was asked to answer a security question (one of three originally set by the bank). In line with recommended security advice, the "answers" I originally provided were untrue. Unfortunately, (don't laugh!) on this occasion they asked the question to which I have forgotten my reply.... so naturally, I can't get in.
I understand and accept that this situation arises if/when a different computer is used, or the same computer (laptop/tablet etc) at a different location, i.e.different IP address. HOWEVER - this occurred using Firefox and as on two further attempts the same security question was asked, I then tried on Internet Explorer, hoping that another question might possibly be chosen.
The message as above did again appear (which I expected - same PC, same place, minutes apart), but a question which I could answer - Hooray! I'm logged in. I do my business and log off. NOW- out of curiosity, I immediately attempt Firefox again -
"We are unfamiliar with the computer you are using"............
Same PC; same place, not switched off, thus same IP address, literally seconds between logging off from bank to trying to log back in....
Let's try Internet Explorer again - recognised, logged in and out without problem - on the same PC, in the same place.....
Anyone had similar? Of course, you would only find out if (like me) you've forgotten your answers to the questions...
Gram
------------- What's the difference between a chicken?
If you have your browser whether IE, Firefox or whatever set to 'delete browsing history on exit' then all cookies will be deleted & you bank website won't recognise your computer when you close browser. If you switch off your computer & unplug everything including router from the mains then usually your IP address will be different when you switch on again.
I'd be surprised if the bank system gives a hoot about your IP address. These are leased and can be re-used and get allocated to anyone who logs on to your ISP if your connection gets lost - you will then get a new one the next time to log in. The only way to identify the PC is the MAC address.
It is very possible to record MAC addresses but mobile banking means that you can access your account from any device anywhere - ie a smartphone, an Apple Mac, a Unix box or a PC or laptop. Even an Internet Cafe (taking care to clear the caches afterwards) - its for these reasons that I think it not feasible for the banks system to even try.
Online banking requires a number of pieces of security information which together with your user ID form the basis of you being allowed access.
I've never seen an error message like that my guess would be that you have been directed to a spoof site for your bank which is attempting to get you to enter your details so that your account can be compromised.
I bank with a couple of banks and have online access to the accounts. They both have slightly different ways of doing things but you generally get 3 strikes and your out - so in other words if you get it wrong you'll get another couple of goes and then the account will be locked out and you'll have to go through a process to get it re-enabled.
Call your bank and speak to their technical support and until you do don't DON't DON't keep trying to log in otherwise you could be disclosing the details needed for theives to get at your dosh!
Online banking depending on how site works may well ask for one of your security questions like 'name of your first school' or whatever. What it will never do is ask for all of your password, if it does, then that is a spoof site.
One of my banks will let me connect via Chrome but "Doesn't recognise my computer" if I try to connect using Firefox on the same computer. This is before I have even entered a user ID or part-password. It has to send me a one-time code by text message before I can log in.
My other bank doesn't care if I use Chrome, Firefox or IE.
No, my browsers are NOT set to 'delete browsing history on exit'. As said, I did NOT switch off my computer or unplug anything (including router). Previously, there has been the rare occasion when I have switched off the router - but none of these occasions have ever triggered this reaction.
As said, my online banking requires a number of pieces of security information which together with your user ID form the basis of you being allowed access - in my case, two different numbers and a password - which normally works. On entering ONLY the first number, the "not recognised" message appeared, followed by the prescribed pre-agreed and set security questions, which do NOT request personal details (such as card numbers, passwords, or any other information that would compromise the account. Only once the additional security question is satisfactorally answered is the "identity" of my PC recognised, and the opportunity to log in (providing all of the two numbers and password) once again permitted. Answering of the security question does not give any information which would enable a log in; it only identifies the PC.
This problem(?)/oddity has occcurred twice before - each time when I have been many miles away on holiday - hence my being prepared to accept a change in IP address (or IP server node) may be the cause. However, since my first post, my son (in the same house, on his own laptop!) has told me that shortly before my problems, he experienced the same "...unfamiliar with the computer..." message; fortunately, he could remember the answer to his security question....
Gram
------------- What's the difference between a chicken?
It is quite normal to get extra security questions from your bank when logging in if it doesn't recognise your browser. It is an extra layer of security, in case it is someone trying to hack your account. My bank also has a phrase that I set that comes up as I log in so that I know that it's their site.
This is an extract from Lloyds Bank security advice:
Requests for too much information
Some malware activates when you log on to Internet Banking. If you’re asked to enter your full memorable information, close your browser and report it to Lloyds Bank. Our log on page will only ever ask you for three random characters of your memorable information.
Pop-ups and unusual screens
If an unfamiliar pop-up appears on your screen and asks for your personal information, close it down.
Requests for test transactions
We will never ask you to carry out a test transaction. If this happens, report it to
Quote: Originally posted by David8858 on 29/10/2014 at 8:49pm
Call your bank and speak to their technical support and until you do don't DON't DON't keep trying to log in otherwise you could be disclosing the details needed for theives to get at your dosh!
I'd have thought the above covered the situation pretty clearly!!
Thanks for the various responses; Jack+Jon (post 29/10, 9:46), ianclose and RTS5 seem to understand what my post referred to - I have not been directed to a spoof site, I have not been asked for the details necessary to ACTUALLY log in, rather I have been asked an "extra layer" security question - which was originally set by my bank and an answer provided by me, which if correctly answered by me will then open another screen which will allow me to log in using the appropriate number/password/number combination - which is not sought in the first security question.
As a former systems and compliance auditor I needed to be aware of such possible weaknesses (and as I mentioned) the danger of providing truthful answers to such security questions as "mother's maiden name", "place of birth" and etc. It is regrettably a common practice to use a relative's name or a placename as a password, and this is a weakness that can be and often has been exploited.
As to IP addresses - consider static as opposed to dynamic....
Mac addresses? Those don't change, so why/how recognise one time and not another? And are we speaking of the Mac address of the individual PC's, or that of the router? Which is the one visible (through the router's firewall) to the outside world?
Keep trying to log in? Until I correctly answer the "extra layer" security question, I am unable/not permitted to even try to log in....
My original question was simply whether anyone else had had similar problems - thanks, ianclose, your answer seems to apply!
As to security, shyness, paranoia, - I wonder how many people on all the forums in the world actually use their own real name as their user name?
I don't....
------------- What's the difference between a chicken?
The MAC address of the PC shouldnt be visible outside of your LAN. Although from what I read the newer ipv6 protocol is visible. That seems a backward step.
My point brianconwy is that the only way to track the actual hardware (ie pc) is the MAC address and I was saying I didn't think that banking websites did this as it defeats the object of internet banking being available virtually anywhere (security issues accepted).
Whether the MAC address is or isn't visible outside your LAN is dependant on how the router and / or firewall are configured.
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Topic: Strange PC glitches...
so naturally, I can't get in.
