Protected mode
Secures your online banking and payments
The threats
Protected mode turns on whenever you go to an online banking or payment system site, to pay your utility bill or transfer money to a friend. This helps keep your money and account information safe from theft.
To let you know that Protected mode is active, the browser’s top panel will darken. The words “Protected mode” will appear in the top right corner.
To let you know that Protected mode is active, the browser’s top panel and tabs will darken.
The words “Protected mode” will appear in the top right corner.
How it works
Protected mode disables browser extensions, as many extensions can be used to steal your information or simply have security vulnerabilities. Only verified extensions that are needed to log into sites, such as LastPass, are enabled.
In Protected mode, the browser checks the site’s security certificate more strictly than usual. If the site’s certificate is invalid — outdated or untrustworthy — Protected mode will not turn on, and you’ll see an icon in the address bar telling you that the site isn’t secure.
How to turn it off
Protected mode turns on automatically when you go to online banking or payment sites. If you do not want Protected mode to turn on for a given site, click on the icon in the address bar and turn Protected mode off in the window that opens.
It is advisable to make online payments
only in Protected mode.
