Bunq will detect remote access tools to stop phishing attacks

Bunq will apply various security measures to prevent phishing attacks. The bank is doing this after it previously emerged that relatively many customers became victims. The measures include detection for rats, the ability to recover 2fa codes and warnings.

Bunq writes on its forum that it has implemented several new security measures. The company already did this earlier this week, but now customers are also being informed about this. The company says that it is implementing recognition for remote access software such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer, among other things. In many phishing attacks, criminals ask victims to install such software. Bunq says it will try to detect such tools on systems and in that case add a payment limit to an account.

The bank says it will also be possible to reset a two-step authentication security code if a victim notices that a attacker has access to an account. In this case, users will also be automatically logged out of all active devices and will have to re-identify if they want to regain access.

Bunq will also issue security warnings more quickly if the company detects that users may be being scammed. This concerns, for example, warnings when users log in somewhere, want to make a large payment or increase their daily limit. Last week, bunq also decided to adjust its policy regarding active calling. The company will still call customers in the future if it suspects that phishing attempts are taking place.

The measures follow after the NOS and NRC reported last week that there were a striking number of phishing victims at bunq. Experts attribute this to the fact that bunq takes fewer measures to prevent phishing than many other banks. For example, no alarm bells go off when users increase their daily limit and bunq does not actively monitor whether significant amounts of money are moved. The bank said last month that it will not reimburse customers for this. “It's like giving someone your car keys outside on the street. Then your car is gone,” said bunq CEO Ali Niknam, according to NOS.