NB Online Banking: Browser Settings and HTTP Cookies

A common question we receive is: “Why do I need to enter a one-time passcode to access my online banking even after I have registered my device?” The answer is related to your browser settings and specifically how your browser deals with cookies. But before we get into answering that question, let’s discuss the basics of HTTP cookies.

What are cookies?

Cookies are small pieces of data that are used to identify your computer on the network. They are used to track and save information about your sessions in order to personalize your future searches. Cookies will store information from your session on a site so that when you return to that site during another session, you can enjoy an improved web browsing experience.

What are third-party cookies?

Third-party cookies are created by a third-party source. This means that when you are on a particular website, the third-party cookies are created by a domain that is different from the website you are currently on. Most commonly, third-party cookies are used for online advertising, so a more relevant ad can be displayed during your session.

Now that you understand what cookies are, we can get into answering the original question:

Why do I need to enter a one-time passcode to access my online banking even after I have registered my device?

You need to enter a one-time passcode because your browser is currently blocking third-party cookies.

If you would prefer to not have to receive a one-time passcode at each login, you will need to make sure your internet browser is set up to accept third-party cookies. This is what the online banking system will recognize on subsequent logins and allow you to bypass the extra authentication step.

Each browser is a little different, but here are the general steps you can follow to allow third-party cookies:

• Go to your browser settings. This menu can often be found by clicking the three dots in the top right of your browser window.
• Once you are in the settings menu, look for a “Privacy” section.
• Then you will want to look for references to cookie handling, which may also be referred to as “tracking.” Select “Allow Third-Party Cookies.”
• Additionally, make sure you have not turned on an option to clear cookies when your browser window is closed.

Once you have adjusted your settings, you should be able to access your online banking without needing to enter a one-time passcode each time you log in.

Should I allow third-party cookies?

Enabling third-party cookies is a personal decision, but we can help you weigh both the risks and rewards.

• Rewards

For the most part, third-party cookies will improve your web experience. Your session will be more personalized, meaning ads can be tailored to content that you have interacted with previously. This means during your web session you will see ads that are more in line with your interests. If you would prefer a personalized searching experience and don’t want to put a one-time passcode in when logging on to online banking, allowing third-party cookies is something you might be interested in.

• Risks

The purpose of third-party cookies is to track your browsing habits, so some people see this as a violation of privacy. If you have privacy concerns and don’t mind inputting a one-time passcode each time you log in to online banking, then not allowing third-party cookies might be the best decision for you.

Understanding how cookies work can be confusing but they play a crucial role in how you browse the web and log into NB Online Banking. Cookies can provide you with a better browsing experience, but you have to realize that means giving up the privacy of your browsing habits. There is no right or wrong answer to if you should allow third-party cookies, so use the information we provided to help make your decision. If you have any other questions regarding cookies and browser settings, please contact the Digital Banking Team at 781-474-5804 or [email protected].