Answers to frequently asked questions about security

Why are there different login methods and how do they differ?

Users have different needs. That’s why we offer different login methods - for instance for Mobile Banking. To make payments, especially when on the move, we recommend logging in with the Access App. The Access Card and card reader are only needed for additional security checks, for example when a transfer is made to a new recipient. To quickly check your account balance without any transaction details, the login via fingerprint, facial recognition or password is ideal. For further information see ubs.com/login-methods.

Do login methods differ in terms of security?

Different login methods aim to address different customer needs as closely as possible. You can use the fingerprint, facial recognition or password login to quickly log in to the Mobile Banking App, for example, but for security reasons not all functions are available (no payments). The combination of the Mobile Banking App and Access App is particularly convenient and secure because the two apps communicate with each other and automatically establish a secure connection with UBS. To approve payments to new beneficiaries, you will also need the card reader or Access Card Display for your own security. This prevents payments being made to unknown recipients – even if fraudsters manage to take full control of your device.

Which security standards are the login methods based on?

UBS login methods are based on two-factor authentication. This means that a user needs two independent elements to log in. When logging in with the Access Card, these are the card itself and the PIN entered on the Access Card Display or the card reader. When logging in with the Access App, the two factors consist of the app on the registered smartphone and the six-digit PIN for the Access App. When logging in without two-factor authentication, for instance via password login, not all functions are available for security reasons. For further information see ubs.com/security.

Are E-Banking and the Mobile Banking App less secure without the security settings?

UBS Digital Banking always meets UBS’s high Swiss security standards. However, personal security settings make it possible to respond better to individual security requirements and preferences – and thus further increase security. They allow you to block online payments for accounts that you rarely use or countries to which you do not normally make bank transfers. You can readjust your settings at any time. For further information see ubs.com/security.

Are there also security settings for UBS Safe or UBS TWINT?

In the security settings of the UBS Safe App, you can specify an individual time period for background activity. UBS TWINT offers you the option of adjusting transaction limits individually, which further increases security.

Why does it make sense to block individual countries for online payments?

You probably make payments to the same countries most of the time, and only transfer money to new destinations in exceptional cases. For everyday use of your Digital Banking, you can activate the countries you frequently use for payments and block the remaining countries. These country settings can be adjusted at any time using your Access Card. This gives you extra protection against fraudulent foreign payments.

Why does it make sense to set a limit for payments?

By setting an individual monthly limit for your payments, you can further minimize loss in the event of potential fraud. If you base your limit on the average amount you need per month, and add an extra buffer, you can generally still use UBS Digital Banking without any restrictions. The limit can be adjusted at any time using your Access Card.

Why should I deactivate individual accounts for online payments?

Accounts you don’t use for regular transfers, such as savings accounts, can be deactivated for online payments. This ensures that no payments can be entered from these accounts using E-Banking and Mobile Banking. Blocked accounts can be reactivated for online payments at any time using your Access Card.

How secure is it to receive account notifications via unencrypted channels (Push, text message or email notifications)?

Account security is not compromised by activating notifications. The only risk is that messages sent to your own mobile device or emails displayed on your computer can potentially be viewed by third parties. In Digital Banking you can customize the details that will be displayed to hide or include the account balance, for example.

Why is an additional confirmation with the Access Card and card reader or the Access Card Display necessary?

For transfers to new payment recipients, a one-time additional confirmation with the Access Card is required in order to approve these recipients for future payments. This prevents payments being made to unknown recipients – even if fraudsters manage to take full control of your device. The Access Card is not linked to the Internet and is therefore particularly well protected.

In which cases is it not necessary to confirm new payment recipients?

Well-known payment recipients such as large telecommunications, insurance or electricity providers have already been approved in advance by UBS. Additional security confirmation with your Access Card is therefore not necessary in these cases. You can also set your own monthly limit for payments to new recipients in E-Banking and the Mobile Banking App. By increasing this limit, you can transfer a total of up to CHF 1,500 per month to new beneficiaries without additional confirmation.

What exactly does “artificial intelligence verification ” mean?

The UBS prevention system checks for irregularities in your banking transactions. Artificial intelligence learns and understands your normal transaction and activity profile better and better over time. In many cases, it can therefore detect unusual patterns – such as a payment due to attempted fraud that does not correspond to your typical behavior.

What happens to my data during verification?

During automatic verification, your data is treated in accordance with the high Swiss UBS security and data protection standards. Data will never be passed on to third parties.

What happens if an irregularity is discovered?

We will contact you immediately if irregularities are detected in your banking transactions. Please register your mobile number in Digital Banking for this purpose.

Why is it important to register a mobile number?

Registering a mobile number in Digital Banking further increases your security. If irregularities are detected in your banking transactions, we can then inform you immediately and check the activities together.

Behavioral recommendations for Digital Banking

How can I check if my online behavior is safe?

We recommend that you repeatedly examine your own behavior. Conscious handling of login data and other passwords helps to prevent fraud from the outset. We can help you with our Security recommendations and the UBS Security Check.

How can I tell that a sender or caller is not from UBS?

UBS will never ask you to share your login information with an employee, and never includes links to the Digital Banking login pages in emails. If you receive an unexpected or unsolicited call, never log in to E-Banking or the Mobile Banking App or allow remote access to your computer. Do not use your Access Card to carry out a confirmation requested during an unregistered or unsolicited call.

Behavior in the event of suspected fraud

How should I behave/who should I contact if I find payments I did not make or settings I did not adjust myself?

If you notice anything unusual in your Digital Banking, please cancel your login immediately. Do not carry out any confirmations with your Access Card, and contact the Support.

Do the four security building blocks offer one hundred percent security for Digital Banking?

Unfortunately, nothing is one hundred percent certain in this world – not even in the analogical world. However, UBS E-Banking and the Mobile Banking App are protected by leading security technologies that have proven themselves over the years. Our login methods meet the high UBS security standards and clearly identify you. You can use personal security settings to further increase security, tailored to your needs. In many cases, artificial intelligence enables us to detect any irregularities in your banking transactions. And you can achieve maximum security in Digital Banking by paying special attention to our Security recommendations.

What happens if a security building block is missing?

The building blocks are not interdependent, each one has a separate effect. Our login methods ensure secure identification. The prevention system to detect atypical transactions remains active at all times and is continuously being developed. You can further increase your own security by adjusting your personal security settings and adopting conscious behavior.