Why do beneficiaries need to be confirmed?
                                 

Confirming beneficiaries is an additional security solution for online payment transactions that prevents payments from being manipulated by criminals.
When making a payment, the UBS security solution prompts you to verify the data provided upon entering a beneficiary to whom you have not made a funds transfer before. You must confirm the new beneficiary once via your card reader or Access Key.
Confirmation is not required however for all new beneficiaries. Beneficiaries already approved by UBS – including most telephone companies, electrical utility companies, health insurance companies, mail-order companies, etc. – do not require re-verification.
For clients with collective signing authority, beneficiary confirmation is not required.

Are successful hacker attacks the reason for introducing this additional security solution?

As the Swiss Swiss Federal Authorities have advised frequently in the past, the number of criminal hacker attacks against accounts of individuals and institutions processing payments online is on the rise. The point of attack is usually the client's computer, over whose security UBS has no control.
Confirming beneficiaries prevents payments manipulated by criminals being carried out.

As a business owner I have lots of new beneficiaries all the time. Is there a less time-consuming way to confirm beneficiaries?

UBS will be providing business and corporate clients with the new UBS e-banking Access Key to accommodate large numbers of beneficiary confirmations. It enables you to confirm new beneficiaries easily and simplifies the login process.

Does new beneficiary confirmation also apply for payments via data transfer (e.g. with UBS Pay)?

Yes, if you have to confirm one or more beneficiaries, the payment entry software displays a message to that effect upon submitting your payment instructions. The new beneficiary confirmation procedure is outlined in the card reader or Access Key instructions.
UBS cannot guarantee that the Access Key is compatible with third-party payment software. For information please contact the respective providers directly.

Is it unsafe if I enter my PIN (personal identification number) on the login page on the Internet when using the Access Key?

No, the Access Key checks whether you are connected to UBS and automatically carries out the login process. This renders access by criminals impossible.
Additionally, your data is transmitted in encrypted form. Algorithms are used in transmission, affording a high level of security. This protects your data against professional attackers.

What happens if I remove the Access Key from the computer during an e-banking session?

The e-banking session is terminated. You then have to log in again.
Always quit your secure e-banking session via the "logout" function.

Why can the full functionality of and security for UBS e-banking no longer be ensured with the old operating system and browser versions?
                                      

Old operating systems and browser versions are systems which are no longer officially supported by the manufacturer. This is because the system has reached the end of its life cycle. In most cases these outdated systems have security gaps and program instabilities which the manufacturer no longer fixes. As these systems are outdated and no longer supported, UBS is no longer able to test and maintain them.

When should I stop using the operating system/browser for security reasons?

We recommend that you upgrade to a recommended version of the operating system or browser as soon as possible in order to avoid any further security risks.

If I continue using the obsolete program, does that mean that UBS e-banking will no longer be secure?
                                             

The e-banking business is managed by specialists who are constantly searching for security loopholes and patching them up as soon as they find them. In the future access to e-banking will only be possible with up-to-date software, in order to guarantee an even higher level of security. What this means for you is that UBS e-banking continues to be one of the most secure in the world.

Who bears the risk of a security loophole appearing in the obsolete program?

Any security risks on a client's computer must be borne by the client, as UBS cannot take any direct action against them. It is therefore important to follow UBS security recommendations.

What happens if I have not upgraded to the operating system or browser?

If you have not upgraded your operating system or browser, we will no longer be able to guarantee the full functionality of or access to UBS e-banking due to technical reasons.

Can I rely on the UBS’s recommendations regarding the operating system/browser?

UBS carries out continual checks on the security of the current versions of operating systems and browsers. A list with recommended configurations is regularly updated. You can check it from time to time to find out if your program is still recommended by us.

How can I increase the security of the browser?

You can increase the security significantly by making the security adjustments to your browser that we recommend. The most important step is to disable ActiveX controls and to set permissions for java applets and scripts to require confirmation and inspection. It is also important to install an up-to-date virus scanner and an up-to-date firewall. Only the complete package will make your computer substantially more secure against attacks.

There are no longer any up-to-date versions of Internet Explorer available for Apple Mac OS 9. What can I do?

Apple Mac OS 9 is not an operating system supported by UBS. UBS recommends that you equip your Apple Macintosh with the latest operating system and install a browser approved by UBS.

How long will I be able to use the latest browser version before it becomes necessary to update again?

This depends on how quickly threats to security on the internet evolve. As soon as new security loopholes arise, manufacturers will make updates available. You should check regularly that you have installed all current manufacturer security updates.

How can I be sure that I am connected to UBS and not to another server?
                                             

UBS supplies a certificate upon connection. Based on this certificate, your browser is able to verify that connection has been established with the UBS security server. You can verify the validity of this certificate yourself by comparing the fingerprint, which cannot be falsified.