[nzlug] Linux-friendly banks in NZ?

[Cliff Pratt]

Volker Kuhlmann wrote:
> On Fri 02 May 2008 19:42:30 NZST +1200, Cliff Pratt wrote:
> 
>> The NetGuard thing is there *for* their customers.
> 
> Not so. NetGuard is designed exclusively for Microsofties who can't keep
> password-stealing spyware off their computers. For everyone else, it's
> just a PITA.
>
Disagree. "Everyone else" is a small, small, minority.
 >
> I don't see getting access credentials from the user by some software is
> too much of a problem, after all the banks supply this software! I know
> for certain Westpac does with deskbank.
>
Deskbank is a dial-up app isn't it? That's pretty network secure!
 >
> Btw it is possible to open "inquire-only" online access with banks,
> which is basically read-only. You can download statements but not
> initiate any transaction. The bank remains liable for
> Internet-originating damage to the account balance (as you didn't
> authorize them to take instructions over the Internet).
> 
Multi-level of security access is an interesting concept. I'm still not 
sure that it would appeal to the MS-using majority, so I can't see it 
appealing to the bank.

I don't think that people realise how *monolithic* a bank's IT is and 
what energy it takes to make a small change, let alone a *large* change 
for a *small* number of people. The inertia is enormous. From the bank's 
point of view if 90% of customers are satisfied, the other 10% can go hang.

Cheers,

Cliff