IT Security: top priority for SME banking

1. Make sure you have the latest security updates & patches: Helpful information about vulnerabilities in programs and how to find the fixes.

2. Install anti-virus software: Learn about commercial and free anti-virus protection products.

3. Use personal firewalls: A firewall is a program that helps protect your computer from internet-borne threats, such as potential hackers and offensive websites.

4. Read our password advice: Passwords are the key to your online account information so it's important to keep them safe.

5. Use an anti-spyware program: This will help to prevent information about your online activities being collected by third parties.

What is Spyware?

This is a computer software program that gathers information about a computer user without the user's knowledge or informed consent It transmits the collected information to an unauthorised organisation that expects to be able to profit from it in some way

What to do?

To prevent the spyware installation without your consent, remember not to download any freeware onto the computer that you access internet banking with.

Always run an anti-virus software program and/or anti-spyware software before you download other programs or open emails. Update your anti-virus software and change your internet banking password REGULARLY to protect your personal data.

What is Trojan Software?

It is a malicious code attached to or embedded in software that is planted in a customer's PC by a fraudster to access the customer's personal information.

There are now new forms of Trojans which have the capability to display unusual pop up windows that ask for confidential information (eg credit card numbers) while a customer is using internet banking. This information can be passed back to the fraudster.

Other forms of Trojans include 'key-loggers' which monitor and record the keystrokes when a person types on the keyboard (eg user ID or password). This information can be passed back to an unauthorised person.

How can I protect myself?

There is much you can do to protect yourself online. Here are just some examples:

-Update your operating system and internet browser.
-Use a personal firewall.
-Use up-to-date anti-virus software.
-Never click on hyperlinks embedded in suspicious emails and avoid visiting suspicious websites.

Be wary of emails with suspicious attachments, even if they are from people you know.
As a necessary safeguard against fraudsters, we strongly recommend that you install firewall and virus protection software on your PC.