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The original submission on the PSIS banking site (www.psis.co.nz) was by Darryn Lowe, and once again he updates us with some news related to the PSIS banking system. It seems that (like RaboPlus, of which I am a customer) they have introduced a multi-stage authentication process that requires the input of an ever-changing security code.

Rating - Excellent

As Darryn comments...

"PSIS has implemented an RSA security key system whereby users can use a randomly generated key to add better security to their Internet Banking. Basically the login screen now has 3 boxes...account number, password, and what they call Tokencode.

By using the Tokencode you defeat phishers and key loggers because the code is never the same (except by pure random chance I suppose). The service is free and I recommend it."

Darryn also comments that the new features work well with both Safari and Firefox (not having tested it on other browsers). In November 2004, NZMac.com received comments from David Clarke, Lead Developer for the PSIS site detailing the considerable effort that had gone in to the site to make it Mac friendly. There's no doubt on this recent return to the site that an exceptional amount of work has gone into supporting Mac users. This makes the PSIS site worthy of becoming a "Hall of Fame" member, however there are interesting aspect of the site that create some confusion and could make the experience confusing for Mac and PC users alike.

A look the Technical Help section or even the more general "Internet banking" link has what I would suggest is the most basic of help questions missing....."What software will my computer need to access Internet Banking?" Strangely, this question and many other...umm...technical questions (browsers, http error, cookies etc) are not located in the "Technical Help" section, but a different section known simply as "Help". This simply creates unnecessary confusion.

Looking at the question as to what browser we need (again, located in the "Help" and not "Technical Help" section) we are told...

For security of information and transactions PSIS utilises 128-bit encryption technology. This is considered best practice. For customers to use Internet Banking they will need to have a web browser which supports at least 56-bit encryption, but ideally a browser that has 128-bit encryption. The minimum requirement for web browsers is:

Using a Macintosh:

• Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0
• Netscape 6.2

We recommend the following:

• Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.23
• Netscape Navigator/Communicator 7.2

We try to support a wide variety of modern and popular browsers including Firefox and Safari. If our website is not behaving in your browser please ensure you have the most recent browser version. If the problem persists please contact our web administrator, we may be able to help.

It's superb to see the Mac information provided in such detail, but the fact that the PSIS recommends a web browser that is no longer available to download from the company that made it (Internet Explorer) and a browser that is very old (Navigator) is worrying. It's great to see Firefox and Safari mentioned, but just what does "try to support" mean?

What it appears to mean, based on user reports and the following information, is that a substantial amount of work is being put into the site by the PSIS team. However first impressions, outdated browser lists or an air of uncertainty, might make some users approach the site with caution. So why does the PSIS get an "Excellent" rating? It's because of the actual behind-the-scenes effort that they have put in, that is visible when you start digging on the the site.

Take a look at the answer to the advice about resetting your web browser. Detailed instructions for Mac users of Safari (all versions), Internet Explorer, Firefox 1.5, Firefox (all versions prior to 1.5), Netscape Navigator/Communicator 7.x, Netscape Navigator/Communicator 6.x and Opera (all versions)...show the incredible amount of depth of work the PSIS team have put into supporting Mac users.

They are worthy of a "Hall of Fame" rating....but the quirks in a confusing help section and the promotion of outdated software as the recommended software choice, make the PSIS site currently receive its "Excellent" rating.