Yes, it is quite annoying that Canara Bank has made it impossible for
GNU/Linux users to access the netbanking. In fact, even on Windows the
application they provide is quite shabby and makes it tough for users to
logon to netbanking. I came to know about this recently when trying to
setup netbanking for my parents who use Canara Bank's services extensively.

In this specific case, I guess writing to the chairman of Canara bank
should be a good idea. Meeting him personally to throw light on these
issues may not be a bad idea either.
- HPN


On 28 April 2013 21:57, FRDManiac Parin <[email protected]> wrote:

> Sometime ago, Canara Bank has introduced a desktop application to make
> its NetBanking[0] *look* more secure ( earlier they only allowed
> password, with no special characters). It is mandatory to use NetBanking
> through this app or you can't use it. The main issue is the installer of
> this app is only available for MS Windows and Mac OSes.. As can be seen
> in the image in link[1]
>
> So as a GNU/Linux user, I felt ignored, as to why and how they can do
> this to us, and we must raise our voice, to make them know we exist, as
> these kinds of things are done often by many other Gov. deptts. ( when
> they Only IE)
>
> I gave the concerns below to the Senior Branch Manager as well as mailed
> (copy of letter below) to their concerned deptt. While the former
> replied with "that the issues
> are too technical and you are the only one having this issue", so it
> would be better to talk to the CanSecure Team directly, which didn't
> even reply till date.
>
> I tried to to let them know the issues and solution I thought can work,
> with the help of the letter below.
>
> I am writing this to this list to discuss how to tackle such issues, so
> that *we are heard*, and not *ignored* by these organizations.
>
> Is there a policy on usage of FOSS in PSUs?
>
>
> -------- Beginning of Letter --------
> Subject: Grievance related to CanSecure
> Date: Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:54:11 +0530
> From: Parin Sharma
> Reply-To: ....
> To: [email protected]
>
>
> Ref. A/c no. ..................
>
> I contacted the CanSecure customer care to allow me to use NetBanking
> without CanSecure for my NetBanking A/c but your executive told that
> CanSecure is mandatory for NetBanking.
>
>
> So I am unable to use my NetBanking a/c because it requires CanSecure
> which I am not able to use because for the following reasons:
>
> * The installer is only available for Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac
> operating systems which are both proprietary and it would roughly cost
> me at least Rs. 5000 - Rs. 10000 to buy a legitimate copy of these OSes,
> which is certainly not the way it should be, since NetBanking is very
> basic service, and should be made easily accessible.
>
> * I am using a better and open operating system known as GNU/Linux[1]
> which is used by a lot of people, as it is freely available, and more
> secure than the other two proprietary OSes, which is a must because bad
> Operating Systems like Windows or Mac can't be trusted with such
> confidential data, as they also contain malicious features such as
> hidden spyware or malware. see the link[2] to know why Microsoft Windows
> is not secure and link [3] to know about MacOS's malicious features.
>
> * Moreover the application CanSecure is NOT Open source, which is
> another reason that I can't trust it with such confidential data, used
> exchanged in the case of NetBanking Application.
>
>
> Solutions:
> ---------
>
> *Either Allow make it optional, so that I can use NetBanking without
> CanSecure
>
>
>                                 OR
>
> * Make the CanSecure Application Open Source[4], so that one can check
> or get the code checked for any malicious features, in that application.
>
>                                 AND
>
> * Make an installer available for GNU/Linux as well so that other
> customers like me, can also use the NetBanking service in a secure and
> better environment.
>
>                                 OR ELSE
>
>                 I HAVE TO CLOSE MY ACCOUNT WITH YOU
>
>
> I hope you will see to it that my concerns are given a thought or at`
> least I expect a reply at the earliest.
>
>
> [1]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux#Desktop
> [2]http://en.windows7sins.org/security/
> [3]http://www.fsf.org/blogs/rms/mac-osx-mistakes-and-malfeatures
> [4]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_source
>
> -----------------------End of Letter--------------------------
>
> PS: Well, I will be soon closing my A/c with this bank, just as a way to
> protest against this. ( May be *1* customer less, doesn't affect them
> much, but then if more people agree to such concerns and opt out then
> they will have to listen to us)
>
> [0]https://netbanking.canarabank.in/netbanking/RetailLogin.jsp
> [1]https://www.joindiaspora.com/posts/2570343
>
> --
> Parin Sharma
> https://joindiaspora.com/u/frdmaniac
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> network mailing list
> [email protected]
> http://lists.fosscom.in/listinfo.cgi/network-fosscom.in
>



-- 
Hari Prasad Nadig
http://hpnadig.net
http://twitter.com/hpnadig
http://flickr.com/hpnadig
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