Best Security Practices for IBKR Clients
Overview:
IBKR goes to great lengths to keep client accounts secure. This document provides recommendations to safely operate and maintain your trading operations with Interactive Brokers.
Table of Contents
- Monitor your account
- Maintain Accurate Account Information
- Employ Safe Computing Practices
- Protect your Data
- Handle with caution pop-ups, unknown emails, and links
- Handle passwords securely
- Mandatory Secure Login System (SLS)
- IP Restrictions
1. Monitor your account
- Regularly check your account balances and positions through TWS and the daily statements available in Client Portal.
- Immediately report anything suspicious by contacting Client Services through any real-time method (Live Chat or Phone Call) listed under ibkr.com/support .
2. Maintain Accurate Account Information
- In the event that we detect unusual or suspicious activity, being able to contact you is essential.
- Accordingly, you should always ensure that the contact information you have provided (e.g. telephone numbers, email address) is always accurate.
- To update your contact information, log in to our Client Portal. From the main menu, select Settings > User Settings and go to the Communication panel.
3. Employ Safe Computing Practices
- Lock your computer if you're leaving it for a period of time by setting up a password protected screensaver. Always turn off your computer when you have finished using it. This recommendation is imperative for mobile computers and highly recommended for shared machines.
- Avoid accessing your brokerage account from public computers. Some of those may have been targeted by hackers and have a keystroke-capture software. If you must use a public computer, remember the following:
- Use the virtual keyboard on the login window to avoid having your keystrokes captured.
- Log out after accessing your account.
- Never leave the computer unattended while logged in.
- Clear the browser cache after logoff so that no sensitive information remains stored on the computer.
- Regularly check for security updates and patches for your operating system and use the most current version of your browser.
- Create separate profiles (user/password protected) if your computer is shared with a third party.
4. Protect your Data
- Do NOT share personally identifiable information like your SSN, Credit Card number when answering an unsolicited email, phone call, text message, or instant message. In case of a doubt, ask for a name and a callback number, as well as an internal reference number for the communication.
- Do not share files unless it's absolutely necessary. It's a smart idea to disable the file and printer sharing features, but if you decide to use these, make sure that you configure the access permissions with strong passwords, and only share for specific users.
- Consider the encryption of your email communication:
- It's important since it protects you from a data breach, and from the hacker to read your messages (the hacker won't have access to the information).
- Either configure your email settings to encrypt your messages, or use an end-to-end encrypted email service (e.g. ProtonMail).
5. Handle with caution pop-ups, unknown emails, and links
- Beware of phishing - phishers try to trick you into clicking on a link that may result in a security breach. Make sure that for sensitive information and login, you mouse over links and/or verify the website's address in your browser's address bar.
- We recommend that you use a pop-up blocker (sometimes integrated in your browser) and set its security filter to the highest possible level. Then either add the IBKR website to your list of "trusted" sites, or disable your pop-up blocker while using our website.
- Use email safely, and delete without opening messages that don't originate from a trusted source as they may contain harmful attachments or links, or may be an attempt to fraudulently obtain sensitive information. Turn off the "preview pane" in your email system as this function can allow some viruses to be executed even if you never open the email. Make sure that you add to your address book the IBKR email addresses.
6. Handle passwords securely
- Use the maximum characters available and avoid simple or duplicate alphabetic and numeric sequences or passwords containing personal information.
- Do NOT share your password with anyone.
- Change your password frequently and do not use the same password for multiple systems.
- Do not leave notes on your monitor, keyboard, desk or drawer to help you remember your passwords.
- Use a password manager to store your passwords. This software will not only allow you to generate complex passwords, but as well to store them securely.
7. Mandatory Secure Login System (SLS)
- The Secure Login System provides an extra layer of security to your IBKR account at no charge through the use of a free physical security device or IBKR Mobile Authentication. The enrollment in our SLS program is mandatory.
- IBKR offers the following solutions:
- SMS (automatic enrollment at account opening).
- IB Key Authentication via IBKR Mobile (available to all our clients - requires a smartphone).
- Digital Security Card + (available to accounts with a balance greater than 500K USD).
- We support multi-2FA, meaning whenever possible, we recommend users who have an active DSC+ to also activate IB Key on their smartphone.
- Click here for an Overview of our SLS Program (KB 1131)
- Click here for an details on IBKR Mobile Authentication (KB 2260)
8. IP Restrictions
- To prevent the login to your IBKR account from an unauthorized computer, enable IP Restrictions via the Client Portal.
- With IP Restrictions active, login to your account on any of our platforms (Client Portal, TWS and IBKR Mobile) will only be permitted if the device you are using is connected to the IP address(es) you've previously designated.
- Click here for further instructions on IP Restrictions
How to Add Another User to an Active IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) for iPhone
Overview:
This page covers the steps required to add a user to the Authentication section in the IBKR Mobile app for iOS devices.
Requirements:
- The IBKR Mobile app must be installed and IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) already activated on this iOS device.
- For more information on the installation and activation on iOS devices, please refer to KB2278.
Instructions:
1. On your iOS device, open the IBKR Mobile app.
1.a. If the app opens with the login screen (Figure 1), tap on Services on the top-left corner (red arrow) and proceed with step 2.
1.b. If the app opens with your Home Page, Portfolio, Watchlists, or similar, tap on More on the bottom-right corner (Figure 2). Then tap on Two-Factor Authentication (Figure 3), followed by Add User (Figure 4) and proceed with step 3.
Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 3.
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Figure 4.
2. Tap on Authenticate (Figure 5) and then on Add User (Figure 6).
Figure 5. Figure 6.
3. Read the instructions and then tap on Continue (Figure 7).
Figure 7.
3. Enter your Username and Password, and then tap on Continue (Figure 8).
Figure 8.
4. An Authentication Code will be sent via SMS to the mobile phone number listed on your account (Figure 9). Enter this Authentication Code in the Activation Code field and tap on Activate (Figure 10).
Figure 9. Figure 10.
5. Depending on your smartphone's security settings, you will be asked to use your Passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID (Figure 11).
Figure 11.
6. If the activation has been successful, you will see a confirmation screen. Finally, tap on Done to complete the procedure (Figure 12).
Figure 12.
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How to Add Another User to an Active IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) for Android
Overview:
This page covers the steps required to add a user to the Authentication section in the IBKR Mobile app for Android devices.
Requirements:
- The IBKR Mobile app must be installed and IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) already activated on this Android device.
- For more information on the installation and activation on Android devices, please consult KB2270.
Instructions:
1. On your Android device, open the IBKR Mobile app.
1.a. If the app opens with the login screen (Figure 1), tap on Services on the top-left corner (red arrow) and proceed with step 2.
1.b. If the app opens with your Home Page, Portfolio, Watchlists, or similar, tap on More on the top-left corner (Figure 2). Then tap on Two-Factor Authentication (Figure 3), followed by Add User (Figure 4) and proceed with step 3.
Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 3.
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Figure 4.
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2. Tap on Authenticate (Figure 5) and then on Add User (Figure 6).
Figure 5. Figure 6.
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3. Read the instructions and then tap on Continue (Figure 7).
Figure 7.
4. Enter your Username and Password, then tap on Continue (Figure 8).
Figure 8.
5. An Authentication Code will be sent via SMS to the mobile phone number listed on your account (Figure 9). Enter this Authentication Code in the Activation Code field and tap on Send (Figure 10).
Figure 9. Figure 10.
6. Provide your PIN then tap on Activate (Figure 11).
Figure 11.
7. If the activation has been successful, you will see a confirmation screen. Finally, tap on Done to complete the procedure (Figure 12).
Figure 12.
How to verify your identity using your Secure Login Device
Overview:
Some tasks in Client Portal will ask you to verify your identity by using the Challenge Code/Response String method in order to proceed further.
This article will guide you in completing these tasks with the following Secure Login Devices:
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Verify your identity with IB Key (iOS)
1. When you initiate a task that requires a verification, you will be prompted to enter Username and Password. Fill out the information and click on Continue (Figure 1).
Figure 1.
2. A Challenge Code will be displayed, along with a passcode field to enter a response (Figure 2). You will enter this Challenge Code onto your phone.
Figure 2.
3. Launch IBKR Mobile on your iOS smartphone, and...
3.a. If the app opens with the home screen (Figure 3), select Authenticate then proceed with step 4.
3.b. If the app opens with the login screen (Figure 4), tap Services on the top left (red arrow), select Authenticate (Figure 3) and proceed with step 4.
3.c. If the app opens with your Home Page, Portfolio, Watchlists, or similar (Figure 5), tap More on the bottom-right (red arrow). Then tap Two-Factor Authentication (Figure 6), tap Generate Code (Figure 7) and proceed with step 4.
Figure 3. Figure 4.
Figure 5. Figure 6. Figure 7.
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4. Type the Challenge Code from Client Portal (see step 2.) into the corresponding field and select Generate Passcode (Figure 8).
Figure 8.
5. Use Touch ID or Face ID for two-factor authentication.
If Touch ID has not been activated, IB Key will prompt you to enter your smartphone's passcode. A response string will then be generated (Figure 9).
5.1 If you use Touch ID, place your registered finger on the Home Button (Figure 9). A response string will then be generated (Figure 10).
Figure 9. Figure 10.
5.2 If you use Face ID, look at your iOS smartphone screen (Figure 11). A response string will then be generated (Figure 12).
Figure 11. Figure 12.
6. Enter the response string from IB Key into the passcode field of Client Portal and click Continue (Figure 13).
Figure 13.
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Verify your identity with IB Key (Android)
1. When you initiate a task that requires a verification, you will be prompted to enter Username and Password. Fill out the information and click on Continue (Figure 1A).
Figure 1A.
2. A Challenge Code will be displayed, along with a passcode field to enter a response (Figure 2A). You will enter this Challenge Code onto your phone.
Figure 2A.
3. Launch IBKR Mobile on your Android smartphone, and...
3.a. If the app opens with the home screen (Figure 3A), select Authenticate then proceed with step 4.
3.b. If the app opens with the login screen (Figure 4A), tap Services on the top left (red arrow), select Authenticate (Figure 3A) and proceed with step 4.
3.c. If the app opens with your Home Page, Portfolio, Watchlists, or similar (Figure 5A), tap More on the bottom-right (red arrow). Then tap Two-Factor Authentication (Figure 6A), followed by Generate Response (Figure 7A), and proceed with step 4.
Figure 3A. Figure 4A.
Figure 5A. Figure 6A. Figure 7A.
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4. Type the PIN that you determined during the IB Key registration process and the Challenge Code from Client Portal into the corresponding fields, then select Generate Passcode. A response string will then be generated (Figure 8A).
Figure 8A.
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5. Enter the response string from IB Key into the passcode field of Client Portal and click Continue (Figure 9A).
Figure 9A.
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Verify your identity with Digital Security Card+ (DSC+)
1. When you initiate a task that requires a verification, you will be prompted to enter Username and Password. Fill out the information and click on Continue (Figure 1B).
Figure 1B.
2. A Challenge Code will be displayed, along with a passcode field to enter a response (Figure 2B). You will enter this Challenge Code onto your DSC+.
Figure 2B.
3. Turn on your DSC+ using the “press” button until 'PIN>' is displayed (Figure 3B). Enter the 4-digit PIN code you specified at the time you requested the device, then confirm with the “OK” button (Figure 4B).
Figure 3B. Figure 4B.
4. When 'CHALLNG>' is displayed (Figure 5B), enter the 6-digit Challenge Code from the Client Portal screen into the DSC+, then confirm with the "OK" button (Figure 6B).
Figure 5B. Figure 6B.
5. A response code will appear (Figure 7B).
Figure 7B.
6. Enter the response string from your DSC+ into the passcode field of Client Portal and click Continue (Figure 8B).
Figure 8B.
Secure Login with Digital Security Card+
Overview:
Securely log into any IBKR application, including TWS, Client Portal or WebTrader, using IBKR's Digital Security Card+.
NOTE: The buttons on your security card are not touch sensitive, but rather require to be pressed.
1. When logging in to your account, enter your user name and password as usual (Point 1 of Figure 1). If successful, a 6-digit Challenge Code will appear (Point 2 of Figure 1).
Figure 1.
2. Turn on your device by pressing the “press” button until the 'PIN>' display appears (Figure 2), enter the 4-digit PIN code you specified at the time you requested the device, then press the “OK” button (Figure 3).
3. When the 'CHALLNG>' display appears on the device (Figure 4), enter the 6-digit Challenge Code from the login screen (step 1.) into the device, then press the "OK" button (Figure 5).
4. A response code will appear (Figure 6)
Figure 6.
5. Enter the 8 digits of the response code into the login screen (Figure 7). Select the Login button to proceed. If the passcode expires, start over from step 1. above.
Figure 7.
NOTE: The Security Code field will look slightly different depending on the application you are logging in to.
References
- See KB1131 for an overview of the Secure Login System
- See KB2636 for information and procedures related to Security Devices
- See KB2481 for instructions about sharing the Security Login Device between two or more users
- See KB2545 for instructions on how to opt back in to the Secure Login System
- See KB975 for instructions on how to return your security device to IBKR
- See KB2260 for instructions on activating the IB Key authentication via IBKR Mobile
- See KB2895 for information about Multiple 2Factor System (M2FS)
- See KB1861 for information about charges or expenses associated with the security devices
- See KB69 for information about Temporary passcode validity
How is my IB Canada account protected?
The Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF) is sponsored by the Canadian regulator (IIROC) to ensure client assets held by a Canadian investment dealer are protected if a member firm becomes insolvent. IB Canada is a member of the CIPF which offers insurance against member default for amounts up to CAD 1,000,000. Covered assets include cash, securities and commodities and will depend on the account type:
Non-registered accounts (Cash, Margin, TFSA)
1,000,000 CAD for any combination of cash, securities and commodities under all non-registered account types.
For assets held in a joint account or under a corporation, the percentage interest is added towards the same total.
Registered account (RSP)
RSP accounts are treated as "Separate Account" and are eligible for an additional 1,000,000 CAD coverage. Additional details can be found on www.cipf.ca.
Please note, IB Canada accounts receive CIPF protection in lieu of SIPC protection.
How to use Voice callback for receiving login authentication codes
Background:
If you have SMS enabled as two-factor authentication method, you may use Voice callback to receive your login authentication codes. This article will provide you steps on how to select voice callback when logging in to our platforms.
How to use Voice callback
You may select Voice if you do not receive your login authentication code. You will then receive your login authentication code via an automated callback. Follow the instructions below, depending on which platform you are trying to login to.
Client Portal
1. Click on "Didn't receive a security code?"
2. From the two options, select "Voice" and wait for the callback.
3. After selecting Voice, you should receive the callback within a minute. Please wait for the callback and be ready to write down the code that will be provided over the callback.
TWS
1. Click on "Request new Security Code"
2. From the two options, select "Voice" and click on OK. Then wait for the callback.
3. After selecting Voice, you should receive the callback within a minute. Please wait for the callback and be ready to write down the code that will be provided over the callback.
Note: Voice callback for the TWS is only available in the LATEST and BETA version.
IBKR Mobile - iOS
1. Click on "Request New Code"
2. From the two options, select "Voice" and wait for the callback.
3. After selecting Voice, you should receive the callback within a minute. Please wait for the callback and be ready to write down the code that will be provided over the callback.
IBKR Mobile - Android
1. Click on "Request New Security Code"
2. From the two options, select "Voice" and wait for the callback.
3. After selecting Voice, you should receive the callback within a minute. Please wait for the callback and be ready to write down the code that will be provided over the callback.
References:
- How to login using SMS authentication
- Overview of Secure Login System
- Information and procedures related to Security Devices
- IBKR Mobile Authentication
IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) Use Without Notifications
In case your smartphone is unable to receive IBKR Mobile notifications, you can still complete the login process using the IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) Challenge/Response method, described on the following pages (according to your device operating system):
The same information applies to you if your phone has no Internet connectivity (you are in roaming, out of coverage, without an active mobile data plan, etc.)
If your smartphone is unable to receive IBKR Mobile notifications despite having Internet connectivity, we recommend you to perform the steps outlined in the IBKR Knowledge Base.
I am not receiving text messages (SMS) from IBKR on my mobile phone
Background:
Once your mobile phone number has been verified in the Client Portal, you should immediately be able to receive text messages (SMS) from IBKR directly to your mobile phone. This article will provide you with basic troubleshooting steps in case you are unable to receive such messages.
1. Activate the IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) as 2-Factor security device
In order to be independent of wireless/phone carrier-related issues and have a steady delivery of all IBKR messages we recommend to activate the IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) on your smartphone.
The smartphone authentication with IB Key provided by our IBKR Mobile app serves as a 2-Factor security device, thereby eliminating the need to receive authentication codes via SMS when logging in to your IBKR account.
Our IBKR Mobile app is currently supported on smartphones running either Android or iOS operating system. The installation, activation, and operating instructions can be found here:
2. Restart your phone:
Power your device down completely and turn it back on. Usually this should be sufficient for text messages to start coming through.
Please note that in some cases, such as roaming outside of your carrier's coverage (when abroad) you might not receive all messages.
3. Use Voice callback
If you do not receive your login authentication code after restarting your phone, you may select 'Voice' instead. You will then receive your login authentication code via an automated callback. Further instructions on how to use Voice callback can be found in IBKB 3396.
4. Check whether your phone carrier is blocking the SMS from IBKR
Some phone carriers automatically block IBKR text messages, as they are wrongly recognized as spam or undesirable content. According to your region, those are the services you can contact to check if a SMS filter is in place for your phone number:
In the US:
- All carriers: Federal Trade Commission Registry
- T-Mobile: Message Blocking settings are available on T-Mobile web site or directly on the T-Mobile app
In India:
- All carriers: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
In China:
- Call your phone carrier directly to check whether they are blocking IBKR messages
References:
- How to login using SMS authentication
- Overview of Secure Login System
- Information and procedures related to Security Devices
- IBKR Mobile Authentication
How to Migrate IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) to a New Smartphone
You may have the IBKR Mobile app installed simultaneously on multiple devices but the integrated authentication module IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) can only be active on a single smartphone, on which you will complete the Two-Factor authentication tasks triggered from any other device.
Nevertheless, if you possess multiple smartphones or if you lost/replaced your smartphone, you have the possibility to Migrate the IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) activation, without the need of contacting IBKR Client Services. The IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) migration allows you to carry on the Two-Factor authentication tasks on your secondary/new smartphone, while removing this capability from your primary/old device.
This procedure can be used in case you lost/replaced your device or in preparation for a business trip or for a holiday period, during which you will not have access to it.
- Apple iOS
- Android
Requirements:
- This procedure will be entirely performed on your secondary/new smartphone. You do not need to be in possession of your primary/old smartphone (where IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) is currently active)
- Unless you have a physical security device active for your user, you need to have access to the mobile phone number you originally used to activate IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key), since we will send a text message (SMS) to that mobile number as a part of the migration procedure.
Once you have reviewed the above requirements, please click one of the below links, according to the operating system of your secondary smartphone
Apple iOS
1. Open IBKR Mobile, enter your username and password and tap Log In
Figure 1
2. Select the Migrate IB Key option (Figure 2), then tap Migrate IB Key to confirm your choice (Figure 3)
Figure 2 Figure 3
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3. Once you have read the instructions, tap Continue
Figure 4
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4. Enter your username and password, then tap Log In
Figure 5
5. Read the Activation Token from the text message (SMS) sent to you (Figure 6). Enter the Activation Token in the Activation Code field, then tap Activate (Figure 7)
Figure 6 Figure 7
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6. Tap Done to complete the migration process
Figure 8
Android
1. Open IBKR Mobile and enter your username and password and tap Log In
Figure 1
2. Select the Migrate IB Key option (Figure 2), then tap Migrate IB Key to confirm your choice (Figure 3)
Figure 2 Figure 3
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3. Once you have read the instructions, tap Continue
Figure 4
4. Enter your username and password, then tap Log In
Figure 5
5. Read the Activation Token from the text message (SMS) sent to you (Figure 6). Enter the Activation Token in the SMS Code field, then tap Verify (Figure 7)
Figure 6 Figure 7
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6. Choose a PIN of your preference (alphanumeric, between 4 and 6 characters, with at least one number) and enter it into the PIN field. Then enter the same PIN in to the Repeat PIN field to confirm it. Tap Activate
Figure 8
7. Tap Done to complete the migration process
Figure 9
References:
- See KB2879, KB2260 for General information about IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key)
- See KB2260 for instructions on how to install/activate/operate the IBKR Mobile app
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See KB2278 for instructions on how to operate your IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) on an Apple iPhone
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See KB2277 for instructions on how to operate your IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) on an Android smartphone:
- See KB3279 for instructions on how to log in to IBKR Mobile when IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key) is enabled on another phone
- See KB3073 for instructions on how to reactivate or transfer the IBKR Mobile Authentication (IB Key)
