ScanSafe: online banking account attacks will boost in 2009

ScanSafe, a provider of SaaS Web Security, has issued guidelines on security for 2009, due to his predictions that the rate of exposure to Web-delivered malware will continue to increase at a rate of approximately six percent per month. Experts of the company highlight that online banking accounts and publicly traded companies are likely to suffer the most.

Company explains its predictions by the fact that when attackers find credit cards to be no good sources of revenue, they are likely to attack online banking accounts directly. This is going to effect on consumers’ confidence in the safety and integrity of online banking.

ScanSafe also added that publicly traded companies are especially vulnerable to attacks due to their competitors being likely to use malware with the aim of gaining sensitive information related to patentable R&D efforts for example. However, it is also predicted that companies and customers will adopt technologies that block third party content.

Above mentioned situation is going to effect Internet advertising by, for example, pop-up blockers to be likely to be blocked, making it harder for ads to reach their target audience, and domain registrars and hosting providers, due to a push for tighter enforcement over them.

ScanSafe concluded by saying that along with sophistication and frequency of the attacks there will also be improvements in the online security.

Nationwide releases new online banking product

E-Savings Plus accounts are run like Nationwide’s FlexAccounts, and offer savers a gross AER of up to 3.75%.

The new account is designed for savers who want a competitive interest rate, but also need to access their savings.

Customers can withdraw money from the account up to three times per year and still benefit from the top rate of 3.75% gross per annum.

Extra withdrawals will incur the penalty of a lower interest rate, backdated either from account opening or from anniversary of account opening.

An E-Savings Plus account can be opened for as little as £1. There is no limit on deposits as long as the account balance stays under £100,000.

Goldman mulling Internet banking operation

Goldman executives have not ruled out buying a bank with substantial retail operations, the paper said, citing people familiar with the discussions.

The company could not be immediately reached for comment.

The possible online bank hasn't been named yet, and many details of its operating plans are undecided. It is likely to offer a range of savings products, such as certificates of deposit, people familiar with the matter told the newspaper.

In addition to an Internet bank, Goldman executives are weighing the possibility of seeking deposits through the firm's vast wealth-management operation and from large corporate clients, the Journal said.