Plug-ins are small software applications available on the Internet that offer certain features, such as displaying images, reading sounds, reading videos in formats not recognised by the basic browser or which enhance browser capacity.

Plug-ins generally take the form of:

• Library files (.DLL file extension);

• Active X (.OCX file extension);

• Independent applications.

The claims as regards their features and qualities made on certain sites advertising, such as higher browser speed, better quality of images, etc., are often false. Once it has been installed, the plug-in may perform various operations on your computer, without you being aware of it. That may even go as far as data theft !!!

The banking applications offered by ING Belgium over the Internet, as for instance the services of Home’Bank, do not require any plug-ins. ING Belgium does not accredit or guarantee computer applications developed by third parties (except, of course, those identified by the Bank itself as coming from “trusted” third parties). It cannot guarantee that its own systems (in particularly Home’Bank) will operate smoothly and securely if such software applications are installed on customer PCs. For this reason ING Belgium declines all liability in the event that these are installed, except when it concerns heavy or intentional errors on its part.

Therefore do not download plug-ins without being sure of their aim and ultimate end purpose and without having first taken the precaution to check who sent the plug-ins.

If you think you might have installed a suspect malicious plug-in, uninstall it immediately.