Dutch banks are warning customers against using online banking on Windows XP, as Microsoft will stop maintaining and updating the operating system from 8 April.
The banks say this will make online banking customers more vulnerable to viruses and hacking. Additionally, since the introduction of new regulation on 1 January, customers are liable for personal losses if their computers do not have proper security.
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Regulation brought in by Dutch consumer association Consumentenbond at the beginning of the year requires victims of internet banking fraud to meet five conditions to qualify for a refund.
Customers must keep their pin codes and passwords secret, never allow anyone else to use their debit card, check their bank account at least every two weeks, report any incidents immediately and ensure proper security of any equipment they use for their banking needs.
At the time, Consumentenbond spokeswoman Sandra de Jong said the association would ensure consumer rights were preserved despite the changes to regulation.
‘We will keep a close eye on the banks to make sure they operate fairly,’ she said.
10% of private consumers still use Windows XP, as do two out of every five local councils, according to the Netherlands Broadcasting Foundation.
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