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IBKR Mobile Authentication

 

Table of contents

  

Introduction

The security of your assets and personal information is of utmost concern to IBKR and we are committed to taking the steps necessary to make certain that you are protected from the moment you open your account.  A key component of protection is the Secure Login System (SLS), a login process which relies upon Two-Factor Authentication to prevent anyone from accessing or using your account, even if they know your User Name and password. Once SLS enrolled, your account can only be accessed through use of 2 security factors: 1) something you know (entry of your User Name and password combination); and 2) something you have (entry of a random code generated from a physical security device or Smartphone application).

IBKR offers a variety of SLS devices, with the technical design of each corresponding to the level of assets maintained (see KB1131). The following article provides an overview of the IBKR Mobile Authentication app, a Two-Factor security application which can be installed directly onto your Smartphone.

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Benefits

IB Key Authentication is available on your Smartphone via our IBKR Mobile app and can function as a security device, thereby eliminating the need to carry a separate physical device when logging into your IBKR account. In addition to the convenience of using a device which is trusted and routinely accessible, this app can be downloaded and activated in minutes, thereby eliminating the delays associated with the mailing of physical devices. Moreover, unlike in the case of physical devices, clients maintaining multiple accounts with distinct User Names may access IB Key all from the same IBKR Mobile app. Please refer to KB2879 for more details.

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Installation, Activation, and Operation

IBKR Authentication is currently supported on smartphones that use either Android or iOS operating system and can install IBKR Mobile. Installation, activation, and operating instructions can be found at the following links:

Android: KB2277
iOS: KB2278

PLEASE NOTE: Disabling and replacing any security device, including IBKR Mobile Authentication, is subject to conditions. Please contact Client Services for assistance in this process. 

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FAQ

Should I return my physical device after activating IBKR Mobile Authentication?
No need to return your physical device – it remains active and can be used as backup, or in the case of a higher security level device such as the DSC+, it can be used to initiate funds withdrawals with a higher limit. More on device withdrawal limits can found at: ibkr.com/sls
 
I lost my IBKR Mobile PIN. What do I do?
If you have forgotten your IBKR Mobile PIN, please uninstall and reinstall the IBKR Mobile app on your smartphone. Launch the app. When you are prompted to perform the recovery, reject by answering "No". Tap on "Register Two-Factor", reject again the recovery by answering "No". Then proceed with the activation, following the on-screen instructions. Please notice you would need to have access to the mobile phone number you originally used for the IBKR Mobile Authentication activation, since IBKR will send the Activation SMS to that number.
 
I lost my phone. What do I do?
If you have lost your phone and require that the IBKR Mobile Authentication app be disabled, please contact Client Services at one of the numbers found here.
 
I am not receiving the SMS confirmation code. What do I do?
Some countries, most notably India, provide national "Do Not Call" or "Do Not Disturb" services to prevent telemarketing to mobile numbers. If you have an Indian phone number, or have explicitly requested your phone carrier to exclude you from public lists, you might need to contact your wireless carrier, and ask them for your account to be configured appropriately in order to receive SMS messages from Interactive Brokers.
Please note that the required steps will vary by country and mobile phone provider. It is best to contact your mobile phone provider if you have any questions regarding such "Do Not Disturb" services.
 
I am not receiving the IBKR Seamless login notifications. What do I do?
Please follow the instructions on KB3234
 
How much money can I withdraw using the IBKR Mobile Authentication as a security device?
IBKR Mobile Authentication as a security device allows you to withdraw 200K USD per day and 600K USD in 5 Business Days.
 
To what accounts is the IB Key Authentication available?
IB Key Authentication is supported for all accounts[1]. 
 
Are there any limits on the PIN code I can use?
Your PIN can be alphanumeric and can contain special characters. Please click here for details on PIN guidelines.
 
Can I install the application on multiple devices at the same time?
Only ONE phone/device can be active at a time for use with your username. 
 
Does my phone need an Internet connection for the app to work?
     ○ IBKR Mobile Authentication requires an Internet connection ONLY during the Enable User process
     ○ IBKR Mobile Authentication does NOT require an Internet connection in order to generate a passcode[2]
 
Can I add additional users to the same IBKR Mobile Authentication app?
IBKR Mobile Authentication supports an unlimited number of additional users with the same PIN.
 
What version of Android and iOS does the IBKR Mobile Authentication support?
You need:
     ○ Android version 5.0 and higher.
     ○ iOS version 11.0 or higher.

 

[1] Restrictions for some specialized Institutional Account types may apply.
[2] Without a working data connection (WiFi or cellular), IBKR Mobile Authentication will not receive the login notification message but can still be operated in Challenge-Response mode. Refer to KB2277 (Android) or KB2278 (iOS) for detailed instructions on how to use IB Key Authentication in both available modes.
 

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Welcome to Interactive Brokers

Overview: 

Now that your account is funded and approved you can start trading. The information below will help you getting
started as a new customer of Interactive Brokers.

  1. Your Money
  2. Configure your account to trade
  3. How to trade
  4. Trade all over the World
  5. Five points to enrich your IB experience

 

1. Your Money
Deposits & Withdrawals General Info. All transactions are administered through your secure Account Management
Deposits
First, you create a deposit notification through your Account Management > Funding > Fund Transfers > Transaction Type: “Deposit” How to create a deposit notification. The second step is to instruct your Bank to do the wire transfer with the bank details provided in your Deposit Notification.
Withdrawals
Create a withdrawal instruction via your secure Account Management > Funding > Fund Transfers > Transaction Type: "Withdrawals" How to create a withdrawal instruction
If you instruct a withdrawal over the Withdrawal limits, it will be considered an exceptional withdrawal and we will therefore need to match bank account holder and IB account. If destination bank account has been used for a deposit, withdrawal will be processed; otherwise, you must contact customer service and provide the documents needed.
Troubleshooting
Deposits: My bank sent the money but I do not see it credited into my IB account. Possible reasons:
a) A fund transfer takes 1-4 business days
b) A Deposit Notification is missing. You have to create it via your Account Management and send a ticket to Customer Service
c) Amending details are missing. Your name or IB account number is missing in the transfer details. You have to contact your bank and ask for the full amending details.
d) ACH initiated by IB is limited to 100k USD in a 7 business period. If you opened a Portfolio Margin account where the initial requirement is 110k, a wire deposit might be the better deposit option to reduce wait time for your first trade. If selecting ACH a wait time of almost 2 weeks or a temporary downgrade to RegT can be possible solutions.
Withdrawals: I have requested a withdrawal but I do not see the money credited to my bank account. Possible reasons:
a) A fund transfer takes 1-4 business days
b) Rejected. Over the max it can be withdrawn. Please check your account cash balance. Note that for regulatory requirements, when the funds are deposited, there is a 3 day holding period before they can be withdrawn.
c) Your bank returned the funds. Probably because receiving bank account and remitting bank account names do not match.

 

2. Configure your account to trade
Difference between Cash and Margin accounts: If you have chosen the FastTrack application, by default your account type is a cash account with US stock permission. If you would like to get leverage and trade on margin, here how to upgrade to a RegT Margin account
Trading Permissions
In order to be able to trade a particular asset class in a particular country, you need to get the trading permission for it via your Account Management. Please note that trading permissions are free. You might however be asked to sign risk
disclosures required by local regulatory authorities. How to Request Trading Permissions
Market Data
If you want to have market data in real-time for a particular product/exchange, you need to subscribe to a market data package charged by the exchange. How to subscribe to Market data
The Market data assistant will help you choose the right package. Please watch this Video explaining how it works.
Customers have the option to receive delayed market data for free by clicking the Free Delayed Data button from a non-subscribed ticker row.
Advisor Accounts
Have a look at the user guide getting started as advisors. Here you see how to create additional users to your advisor account and grant them access and much more.

 

3. How to trade
The Trader's University is the place to go when you want to learn how to use our Platforms. Here you will find our webinars, live and recorded in 10 languages and tours and documentation about our various Trading Platforms.
Trader Workstation (TWS)
Traders who require more sophisticated trading tools can use our market maker-designed Trader Workstation (TWS), which optimizes your trading speed and efficiency with an easy-to-use spreadsheet interface, support for more than 60 order types, task-specific trading tools for all trading styles, and real-time account balance and activity monitoring. Try the two models
TWS Mosaic: for intuitive usability, easy trading access, order management, watchlist, charts all in one window or
TWS Classic: the Advanced Order Management for traders who need more advanced tools and algos.
General Description and Information / Quick start guide / Usersguide
Interactive Tours: TWS Basics / TWS configuration / TWS Mosaic
How to place a trade:  Video Classic TWS / Video Mosaic
Trading tools: General Description and Information /  Users guide
Requirements: How to install Java for Windows / How to install Java for MAC / Port 4000 and 4001 needs to be open
Login TWS / Download TWS
WebTrader
Traders who prefer a clean and simple interface can use our HTML-based WebTrader, which makes it easy to view market data, submit orders, and monitor your account and executions. Use the latest WebTrader from every browser
Quick Start Guide / WebTrader User's Guide
Introduction: Video WebTrader
How to place a Trade: Video WebTrader
Login WebTrader
MobileTrader
Our mobile solutions allow you to trade your IB account on the go. The mobileTWS for iOS and the mobileTWS for BlackBerry are custom-designed for these popular models, while the generic MobileTrader supports most other Smart phones.
General Description and Information
Order Types Order Types available and Description / Videos / Tour / Users guide
Paper Trading General Description and Information / How to get a Paper Trading Account
Once your paper account is created, you can share the market data of your real account with your paper trading account: Account Management > Manage Account > Settings > Paper trading

 
4. Trade all over the World
IB accounts are multi-currency accounts. Your account can hold different currencies at the same time, this allows you to trade multiple products around the world from a single account.
Base Currency
Your base currency determines the currency of translation for your statements and the currency used for determining margin requirements. Base currency is determined when you open an account. Customers may change their base currency at any time through Account Management.
We do not automatically convert currencies into your Base currency
Currency conversions must be done manually by the customer. In this video you can learn how to do a currency conversion.
In order to open a position denominated in a currency that you do not have in your account, you have two possibilities:
A) Currency conversion.
B) IB Margin Loan. (Not available for Cash Accounts)
Please see this course explaining the mechanics of a foreign transaction.

 

5. Five points to enrich your IB experience
1. Contract Search
Here you will find all our products, symbols and specifications.
2. IB Knowledge Base
The Knowledge Base is a repository of glossary terms, how-to articles, troubleshooting tips and guidelines designed to assist IB customers with the management of their IB accounts. Just enter in the search button what you are looking for and you will get the answer.
3. Account Management
As our trading platforms give you access to the markets, the Account Management grants you access to your IB account. Use Account Management to manage account-related tasks such as depositing or withdrawing funds, viewing your statements, modifying market data and news subscriptions, changing your trading permissions, and verifying or changing your personal information.
Log In Account Management / AM Quick Start Guide / AM Users Guide
4. Secure Login System
To provide you with the highest level of online security, Interactive Brokers has implemented a Secure Login System (SLS) through which access to your account is subject to two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication serves to confirm your identity at the point of login using two security factors: 1) Something you know (your username and password combination); and 2) Something you have (an IB issued security device which generates a random, single-use security code). As both knowledge of your username/password and physical possession of the security device are required to login to your account, participation in the Secure Login System virtually eliminates the possibility of anyone other than you accessing your account.
How to Activate your Security Device / How to Obtain a Security Code Card / How to return Security device
In case you forgot your password or lost your security code card, please call us for immediate assistance.
5. Statements and Reports
Easy to view and customize, our statements and reports cover all aspects of your Interactive Brokers account. How to view an Activity Statement 

 

Information Relating to Customer Protection of Assets

The below information applies to trading of non-US index options, OTC CFDs and non-US index futures (when combined with non-US index options)

 

Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Limited


Customer Assets
Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Limited (“IBUK)’’ is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA“), register no. 208159. IBUK is a wholly owned subsidiary of Interactive Brokers Group (IBG LLC). IBUK provides client money and client asset services in accordance with FCA Client Assets regulations “CASS”.

Client money is protected as follows:
Client money rules apply to all regulated firms that receive money from a client, or hold money for a client in the course of carrying out MiFID business and/or designated investment business.

Client money is entirely segregated from IBUK’s own money. In the event of a failure of an authorised firm, clients’ monies held in the segregated accounts will be returned to the clients rather than being treated as a recoverable asset by general creditors. If there was a shortfall, the client may be eligible to claim for compensation from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (“FSCS”).

Client money is ring-fenced in separate bank accounts which are held in trust on behalf of the clients. These accounts are distributed across a number of banks with investment grade ratings to avoid a concentration risk with any single institution. When IBUK makes the selection and appointment of a bank to hold client money, it takes into account the expertise and market reputation of the bank, its financial standing and any legal requirements or market practices related to the holding of client money that could adversely affect clients' rights.

IBUK will allow client money to be held in a client transaction account by an exchange, a clearing house or an intermediate broker but only if the money is transferred to them for the purpose of a transaction or to meet a client’s obligation to provide collateral for a transaction.

Each day, IBUK performs a detailed reconciliation of client money held in client money bank accounts and client transaction accounts and its liabilities to its clients to ensure that client monies are properly segregated and sufficient to meet all liabilities in accordance with the FCA’s CASS rules. All monies credited to such bank accounts are held by the firm as trustee (or if relevant, as agent).

FCA regulations also require IBUK to maintain a CASS Resolution Pack to ensure that in the unlikely event of the firm's liquidation, the Insolvency Practitioner is able to retrieve information with a view to returning client money and assets to the firm's clients on a timely basis.

Financial Services Compensation scheme

Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Limited (“IBUK”) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) as an investment firm and a participant in the Financial Services Compensation scheme (“FSCS”). Certain eligible clients qualify for
compensation under the FCA Compensation rules.

The main points relating to eligibility are:

  • FSCS pays compensation only to eligible claimants when an authorised firm is in default and will carry out an investigation to establish whether or not this is the case.
  • FSCS pays compensation only for financial loss and the limits for U.K. Investment firms are covered below.
  • The FSCS was set up mainly to assist private individuals, although smaller businesses are also covered.
  • Larger businesses are generally excluded.

Investments

FSCS provides protection if an authorised investment firm is unable to pay claims against it e.g. when an authorised investment firm goes out of business and cannot return assets to its clients. Assets classified as investments for authorised investment firms under the FSCS include stocks and shares, futures, options, cfds, other regulated instruments and money deposited by clients.

Compensation Limits

The actual level of compensation you receive will depend on the basis of your claim. The FSCS only pays compensation for financial loss. Compensation limits are per person per authorised firm. Compensation levels are subject to change and for current details please refer to the FSCS website at http://www.fscs.org.uk / .
 

The below information applies to customers who were or are continuing to trade all products (except metals and OTC CFDs) through IB LLC.

 

Interactive Brokers LLC (“IBLLC”)


Customer Assets
Customer money is segregated in special bank or custody accounts, which are designated for the exclusive benefit of customers of IBLLC. This protection (the SEC term is “reserve” and the CFTC term is “segregation”) is a core principle of securities and commodities brokerage. By properly segregating the customer's assets, if no money or stock is borrowed and no futures positions are held by the customer, then the customer's assets are available to be returned to the customer in the event of a default by or bankruptcy of the broker.


Securities accounts with no borrowing of cash or securities
Securities customer money is protected as follows:

  • A portion is deposited at 14 large U.S. banks in special reserve accounts for the exclusive benefit of IBLLC's customers. These deposits are distributed across a number of banks with investment-grade ratings so that we can avoid a concentration risk with any single institution. No single bank holds more than 5% of total customer funds held by IBLLC.
  • A portion may be invested in U.S. Treasury securities, including direct investments in short-term Treasury bills and reverse repurchase agreements, where the collateral received is in the form of U.S. Treasury securities. These transactions are conducted with third parties and guaranteed through a central counterparty clearing house (Fixed Income Clearing Corp., or “FICC”). The collateral remains in the possession of IBLLC and held at a custody bank in a segregated Special Custody Account for the exclusive benefit of customers. U.S. Treasury securities may also be pledged to a clearing house to support customer margin requirements on securities options positions.
  • Customer cash is maintained on a net basis in the reserve accounts, which reflects the net credit balances of customers in excess of customer debit balances. To the extent any one customer maintains a margin loan with IBLLC, that loan will be fully secured by stock valued at up to 200% of the loan.
  • Current SEC regulations require broker-dealers to perform a detailed reconciliation of customer money and securities (known as the “reserve computation”) at least weekly to ensure that customer monies are properly segregated from the broker-dealer's own funds.

Customer-owned, fully-paid securities are protected in accounts at depositories and custodians that are specifically identified for the exclusive benefit of customers. IBLLC reconciles positions in securities owned by customers daily to ensure that these securities have been received at the depositories and custodians

Commodities accounts

Commodities customer money is protected as follows:

  • A portion is pledged to futures clearing houses to support customer margin requirements on futures and options on futures positions or held in custody accounts identified as segregated for the benefit of IB's customers.
  • A portion is held at commodities clearing banks/brokers in accounts identified as segregated for the benefit of IBLLC customers to support customer margin requirements.
  • Cash in commodities accounts is protected in accordance with US commodities regulations. CFTC rules prohibit an FCM from commingling customer funds with its own money, securities or property. Customer funds must be separately accounted for and segregated as belonging to commodity or option customers. The titles of accounts in which customer funds are deposited must clearly indicate this and show that the funds are segregated as required by the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”) and CFTC Rules. Customer funds may not be obligated to anyone except to purchase, margin, guarantee, secure, transfer, adjust or settle trades, contracts or commodity option transactions of commodity or option customers. These requirements also extend to U.S. customers trading on foreign exchanges.

Securities accounts with margin loans

For customers who borrow money from IBLLC to purchase securities, IBLLC is permitted by securities regulations to pledge or borrow stock valued at up to 140% of the value of the loan. Typically, IBLLC lends out a small portion of the total stock it is permitted to lend out.

  • As an example, at June 30, 2011, IBLLC lent $800 million value of customers' stock out of the $13.0 billion made available to it by margin customers.
  • When IBLLC lends customers' stock, it must put additional money into the special reserve accounts for the exclusive benefit of customers. In the example above, the full value of $800 million of customer stock that was lent was segregated in the special reserve accounts.

Account Protection

Customer securities accounts at IBLLC are protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”) for a maximum coverage of $500,000 (with a cash sublimit of $250,000) and under IBLLC's excess SIPC policy with certain underwriters at Lloyd's of London for up to an additional $30 million (with a cash sublimit of $900,000) subject to an aggregate limit of $150 million. Futures, and options on futures are not covered. As with all securities firms, this coverage provides protection against failure of a broker-dealer, not against loss of market value of securities.

For the purpose of determining a customer account, accounts with like names and titles (e.g. John and Jane Smith and Jane and John Smith) are combined, but accounts with different titles are not (e.g. Individual/John Smith and IRA/John Smith).

SIPC is a non-profit, membership corporation funded by broker-dealers that are members of SIPC. For more information about SIPC and answers to frequently asked questions (such as how SIPC works, what is protected, how to file a claim, etc.), please refer to the following websites:


http://www.SIPC.org

http://www.finra.org/InvestorInformation/InvestorProtection/SIPCProtecti...

or contact SIPC at:

Securities Investor Protection Corporation
805 15th Street, N.W. - Suite 800
Washington, D.C. 20005-2215
Telephone: (202) 371-8300
Facsimile: (202) 371-6728

 

How to send documents to IB using your smartphone

Overview: 

Interactive Brokers allows you to send us a copy of a document even if you do not currently have access to a scanner. You can take a picture of the requested document with your smartphone.

Below you will find the instructions on how to take a picture and send it to IB per email with the fllowing smartphone operating systems:

iOS (iPhone)

Android (i.e. Samsung Galaxy, HTC One X, Sony Xperia, Motorola Droid)

Windows Phone (i.e. Nokia Lumia, HTC Titan, Samsung Focus)

 If you already know how to do so, please consult the instructions about the information you will need to send us aside from the document picture. Click HERE - Where to send the email to and what to include in the subject.

iOS
1. Press the power button to turn your iPhone screen on. Tap, hold and slide upwards the
Camera icon on the bottom right of your screen then drag it upwards to access the Camera.

slide up from the lock screen to take a picture

- If you do not have the Camera icon, you may access the Camera app from the home screen
of your iPhone.
2. Place your iPhone above the document and take the desired portion or page of the document
and tap on the Camera button (designated with 1 on the below illustration - Fig. 3) to take a
photo. Then you need to access the picture - tap the image in the lower left-hand corner (number 2 in the
illustration)

Tap here to take a picture

3. Exit to the home screen by pressing the round Home button on the face of the iPhone.
4. Open the Photos app
5. Next, tap the album ‘Camera Roll’. Make sure that the picture is clear and the document
is well legible, if it isn’t, please repeat the previous two steps.
6. Touch once the picture to make the menus appear and tap the share icon
designated with 1 in the illustration below.

Share button iOS

5. Select the first option - Email Photo. Please consult the following instructions for the next step - what address you should send the picture to and what else to include aside from the document, HERE.
Note: to send emails your phone has to be configured for that. Please contact your email
provider if you are not familiar with this procedure.


Android
1. Open your applications list and start the camera app. Depending on your phone model, make or setup it might be called differently.
2. Place your phone over the document and take the desired portion or page of the document and
tap the icon for the camera. (The generic button will look like the one shown below.)

Tap to take a picture
3. Press the Home key to go back to the idle screen. Go back to the apps list and start the Gallery
application. On some phones it may be called Pictures or Photos.
4. Open the album called Camera or All pictures. The last image in either of those should be the
document you just took a picture of. Tap the screen once to bring up the buttons and tap the share
icon, which generically should look as shown below.

Share on Android
5. In the sharing menu that will be displayed now tap on Email. Please consult the following instructions for the next step - what address you should send the picture to and what else to include aside from the document, HERE.
Note: to send emails your phone has to be configured for that. Please contact your email
provider if you are not familiar with this procedure.

Send per email

 

Windows Phone
1. Press the camera button in the Desktop menu of Windows phone. (If you do
not see the camera in the desktop menu, please scroll to the right and choose
camera in the listed applications)
2. Take a picture by pressing the trigger button on the side of the phone.
3. Open the picture by scrolling to the left and press the ‘...’ menu item
at the bottom task bar to see the available options.
4. Please choose send and the configured Email account you would like to use.
5. In the upcoming email, please add the destination email address, the
subject and the text you would like to send and press the ‘Send email’ button in
the bottom menu. Please consult the following instructions for the next step - what address you should send the picture to and what else to include aside from the document, HERE.
Note: to send emails your phone has to be configured for that. Please contact your email
provider if you are not familiar with this procedure.


WHERE TO SEND THE EMAIL AND WHAT TO INCLUDE IN THE SUBJECT
The email has to be created observing the below instructions:
1. In the ‘To:’ field type...
a. newaccounts@interactivebrokers.com if your you are a resident of a non-European country
b. newaccounts.uk@interactivebrokers.co.uk if you are a European resident
2. The subject field must contain all of the below:
a. Your account number (it usually has the format Uxxxxxxx, where x are numbers) or your
username
b. The purpose of sending the document. Please use the below convention:
i. PoRes for a proof of residential address
ii. PID for a proof of identity

How to request a Digital Security Card+ (DSC+) replacement

The following steps are required in order to replace a Digital Security Card+ which has been lost, stolen or became inoperable

1. Notify IB Client Services - Contact IB Client Services to obtain a temporary account access (Temporary Code). This service can only be provided via telephone and requires the identity of the account holder to be verified, as detailed in KB70

2. Obtain an Online Security Code Card - Activate an Online Security Code Card, which offers enhanced protection and full Account Management functionality for an extended period of 21 days. Please consult KB1873 should you need guidance for this specific step

3. Request the DSC+ replacement - Once you have completed the Online Security Code Card activation, please remain in the Secure Login System section of your Account Management and order your replacement DSC+ as follows

4. Click on the button Request Physical Device

5. The shipping address will be shown in the device information screen. If your address is outdated or invalid, you can amend it by clicking on Change Address and following the on-screen instructions. If you do not need to update your address, please proceed to step 6.

6. Enter a four-digit numeric  Soft PIN1 for your DSC+. Please make sure to remember the PIN you are typing since it will be necessary to activate and to operate your device. When applicable and desired, you may change the account on which the 20 USD deposit will be kept on hold2.  Click then on Continue

7. The system will show you a summary of your order. Please make sure of the correctness of all the information displayed. Should you need to perform changes, click on the button Back, otherwise submit the request by clicking on Continue

8. You will receive a final confirmation containing the estimated shipment date3. Click on Ok to finalize the procedure

 


Notes

1. For PIN guidelines, please consult KB2269

2. The Security token and the shipment are both free of charge. Nevertheless, when you order your device, we will freeze a small amount of your funds (20 USD).  If your device is lost, intentionally damaged, stolen or if you close your account without returning it to IB, we will use that amount as a compensation for the loss of the hardware. In any other case, the hold will be released once youre device has been returned to IB. More details on KB1861

3. For security reasons, the replacement device is set to auto-activate within three weeks from the shipment date. IB will notify you when the auto-activation is approaching and when it is imminent.

 

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 IB
  • 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

 

Security Device Replacement Charge

Account holders logging into their account via IB's Secure Login System are issued a security device, which provides an additional layer of protection to that afforded by the user name and password, and which is intended to prevent on-line hackers and other unauthorized individuals from accessing their account. While IB does not charge any fee for the use of the device, certain versions require that the account holder return the device upon account closing or incur a replacement fee.  Existing account holders are also subject to this replacement fee in the event their device is lost, stolen or damaged (note that there is no fee to replace a device returned as a result of battery failure). 

In addition, while IB does not assess a replacement fee unless a determination has been made that the device has been lost, stolen, damaged or not returned, a reserve equal to the fee will placed upon the account upon issuance of the device to secure its return.  This reserve will have no effect upon the equity of the account available for trading, but will act as limit to full withdrawals or transfers until such time the device is returned (i.e., cannot withdraw the reserve balance).

Outlined below are the replacement fee associated with each device.

SECURITY DEVICE REPLACEMENT FEE
Security Code Card $0.001
Digital Security Card    $0.002
Digital Security Card + $20.00 
Gold Device $0.002
Platinum Device $0.002

For instructions regarding the return of security devices, please see KB975

 

1 The Security Code Card is not required to be returned upon account closing and may be destroyed and discarded once remaining funds have been returned and the account has been fully closed. Access to Account Management after closure for purposes of viewing and retrieving activity statements and tax documents is maintained using solely the existing user name and password combination.

2 IB is no longer issuing a replacement for this Security Device. Account holders using this device are encouraged to log into Account Management and request a replacement device. Please see here for directions.

Securities Account Protection for Interactive Brokers India Customers

Customer accounts domiciled under Interactive Brokers India Pvt. Limited,(IBI) are awarded different account protection services than our IB-LLC and IB-UK clients. There are two major exchanges, the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), each one has established their own guidelines for investor grievances against exchange members and/or sub –brokers.

National Stock Exchange of India (NSE)

The NSE has established an Investor Protection Fund with the objective of compensating investors in the event of defaulters' assets not being sufficient to meet the admitted claims of investors, promoting investor education, awareness and research. The Investor Protection Fund is administered by way of registered Trust created for the purpose. The Investor Protection Fund Trust is managed by Trustees comprising of Public representative, investor association representative, Board Members and Senior officials of the Exchange.

The Investor Protection Fund Trust, based on the recommendations of the Defaulters' Committee, compensates the investors to the extent of funds found insufficient in Defaulters' account to meet the admitted value of claim, subject to a maximum limit of Rs. 11 lakhs (1.1 million USD) per investor per defaulter/expelled member.

Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)

Currently trading is not offered on the BSE by Interactive Brokers.

Security considerations following SLS opt out

Overview: 

Account holders who have elected to opt out of IBKR's Secure Login System (SLS) effectively relinquish the protections afforded by Two-Factor Authentication. They are strongly encouraged to utilize alternative security measures, with one of those being the IP Restrictions. By selecting this setting through Client Portal, you're telling Interactive Brokers that you only want access to your trading platforms from a specified IP address. In addition, should you have multiple authorized traders for a given account, these restrictions can be set at the individual trader level by the master user of the account. 

 

Preliminary checklist:

Before setting up the IP Restrictions, you will need to:

  • Know your WAN IP Address. That is the IP address exposed on the external (Internet) side of your network and it is different from your local IP address (called as well LAN IP address). If you trade from a company office, you can ask your IT or Networking department for the WAN IP address of your computer. If you connect to the Internet through a private broadband/cable/satellite connection you can get this information from your ISP (Internet Service Provider).
  • Make sure that your IP address is static. This means your IP address will always remain the same, and will not change upon router/modem reboot or after a certain time period. The same entities which provided you with the WAN IP address, can as well clarify whether it is a static or dynamic one.
  • Be aware that IP Restrictions are not effective immediately. Our systems apply the filters during their daily overnight restart. It can take up to 24 hours until they are active, depending on the time you submit your IP Restrictions request. The same applies when you modify or remove existing IP Restrictions. Please be sure to consider this when you are planning your course of action.
  • The IP Restrictions will be applied to ALL Trading Platforms offered by IB. It will not affect Client Portal access, which will remain accessible from any IP address.

Note:

Please take note that the technical ability to misrepresent one's IP address exists, and full account protection is only ensured by using SLS Two-Factor Authentication (ibkr.com/sls).

If you have any questions on the topic, please feel free to contact IB's Technical Assistance Center.

How to set the IP Restrictions:

  1. Login to Client Portal and click the menu icon in the top-left corner.
  2. From the left side menu, click on Settings, then on User Settings. Then click on the wheel (configure) icon next to IP Restrictions.
  3. You will see a brief description of the effects of IP Restrictions. To set up a new IP Restriction, click on Add IP Restriction.
  4. Select the Trader from the drop-down list and enter the IP Address (in the format xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx) you want to allow for him. Then click on Continue.
  5. If you logged into Client Portal without using the Two-Factor Authentication, you will now receive an email1 containing a Confirmation Number. Enter it in the Confirmation Number field. Once done, click on Continue to submit the request. If you logged in to the Account Management using a security device, please proceed directly to point 5.
  6. If the operation completed successfully, you will see a confirmation screen. Click OK.
  7. The system will now list your active IP Address restrictions. Should you want to create an additional one, click again on Add IP Restriction, otherwise navigate away from this section

 

Opt-out and IP Restrictions for Penny Stocks traders:

Clients who have elected to perform an opt-out, thus using the Two-Factor Authentication only for the Client Portal, must activate the IP Restrictions in order to be able to activate Penny Stocks Trading Permissions.


Additional best practices for securing your computer and your network: 

  • When logging into the TWS, activate the checkbox “Use SSL” on the login screen. SSL (Secure Socket Layer) guarantees that all the information exchanged between your computer and our servers is protected using 128-bit encryption.
  • Use a firewall to prevent unauthorized access to the services exposed by your network or/and computer. During the firewall set-up, please make sure you authorize the host/ports listed in section DESKTOP TWS of KB2816.
  • Use antivirus software to identify and eliminate viruses which might have infected your computer.  As new viruses are constantly being created, you need to update the threats database of your antivirus software regularly.
  • Use anti-malware software to detect and remove spyware/malware programs which can collect various types of personal information, monitor your browsing activity and interfere with the control of your computer. Nowadays many antivirus solutions include a built-in anti-malware protection.
  • Refrain from using wireless connections (Wi-fi) which are public, unsecured or not operated by you. If the use of a unsecured network (e.g. public Wi-Fi hotspot) becomes necessary, do not log into any financial institution account you may have, including your IB account.

 

Notes:
1. If you have not received the email, please make sure it did not land in the Spam/Junk folder of your mailbox and possibly add the email addresses donotreply@interactivebrokers.com and help@interactivebrokers.com to the trusted senders list. You can then request a new email to be sent to you with the button Resend Confirmation Number.

 

Tips for selecting your security questions and answers

The security questions represent just one component of the security framework which IB has put into place to protect your account. We offer the following simple tips for selecting your security questions and answers in order to make the most effective use of this security measure:

1. Choose questions having answers that you can remember in the future and answer consistently.

2. Use one-word answers whenever possible.

3. Be careful with spaces. If you use "San Diego" as an answer to one of your security questions, the system will reject "SanDiego."

4. Avoid using quirky or nonsensical answers as they'll likely to be difficult to remember later.

5. Select a question which cannot be easily guessed or researched, has many possible answers and where the probability of guessing the correct answer is low.

6. Select a question for which the answer is unlikely to be known by others such as a family member, close friend, relative, ex-spouse, or significant other.

7. Choose a question having an answer which is stable and not likely to change over time.

What is the purpose of the security questions?

IB requires applicants to select and provide answers to three security questions each selected from a separate pool of questions having varying degrees of complexity. In the event we receive a telephone inquiry involving sensitive information, prior to acknowledging or discussing any account specific information with the caller we will first look to verify that caller's identity. This is accomplished through a multi-tier security process, one tier which requires that the caller answer a randomly selected security question.  The caller must provide an answer to the security question which exactly matches the answer we have on file. Otherwise, the request for information will be denied and a potential lock-down placed upon the account.

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