Log In to bank website requires a client certificate

Question

Level 1

19 points

Log In to bank website requires a client certificate

for the past 2 days, every time I access my bank website, a pop up window comes up which asks me for a client certificate. This happens "without" log into the bank, just simply accessing their website. The message appears with a different format but with the same request when I use Safari or Firefox. It also appears when I access the bank website on my iPhone using the Safari browser. It does not appear when I access the bank using the bank's app. The message actually shows me a few certificates which I have and asks me to choose one. I have never chosen any certificate out of precaution. I just click cancel, and proceed to Log Into my account without any problem. Has anybody had this same problem. Is it a problem or is it a security feature of MacOS or iOS ? I am using MacOS 15.1.1 and iOS 18.2 . Thanks for your help.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 15.1

Posted on Dec 19, 2024 6:57 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Camelot

Level 9

59,985 points

Dec 19, 2024 7:03 AM in response to mancinrob22

This sounds more like a configuration issue with the bank than anything your Mac or iPhone.

Client certificates can be used to establish trust between known devices, but it's not common to use them on typical web sites.

Do you care to share the name of the bank site, so others can verify if it happens to them, too? It may help identify if the problem is server side or something local. If it is server-side, then the only recourse is following up with the bank themselves.

Reply

Answer 2

mancinrob22 Author

Level 1

19 points

Dec 19, 2024 7:30 AM in response to Camelot

Thank you for your quick reply. I have talked to the Bank three times prior to this message to the Community. They keep telling me they don't know what I am talking about. They suggested resetting the router, eliminate cookies, eliminate history. I have done all that but the message keeps coming back. The Bank is Bank of America. I have made screen shots of the Safari and Firefox window where I have blacked out the personal information. If you want, I can also upload the screen shots. The website where this message is coming from is called: tilt.bankofamerica.com .

Reply

Log In to bank website requires a client certificate

Similar questions