Dutch banks are urging their clients to stop using Windows XP to do their banking online, because Microsoft is to stop maintaining and updating the system from April 8.

This will make clients more vulnerable to viruses and hacking, the banks say. Since January 1, Dutch banks have introduced new rules which make customers liable for any personal losses if their computer systems do not have proper security.

Some 10% of private consumers still use Windows XP as do two out of five local councils, Nos television says.