Protecting yourself online

Keeping your personal information secure and confidential is crucial to us. To protect our customers we use a range of strict security measures making sure its not possible to access your accounts online without passing through several layers of security.  Here are some top tips on how you can play you part in preventing online fraud:

• When you log on to the Internet Banking Service make sure that the website address in your address bar changes from "http" to "https" - the 's' means it's a secure website.
• Be aware of others close by who may try to take note of your access information.
• Check your accounts online on a regular basis and report any suspicious transactions immediately.
• Never leave your PC unattended when you are logged onto your accounts.
• We recommend that you don't log onto your accounts at a PC in a public place i.e. cyber café, college or work.
• Always exit the system correctly by using the "Log Off" link.
• If you are disconnected from your internet provider when you are logged onto your bank account, always log back onto your bank account and then log off using the log off link.
• Never open email messages received from an unknown source as they may contain a virus.
• Check your browser supplier's updates page for new security updates. If an update is available we recommend you install it.
• When wireless networks are being used ensure you have appropriate security registered and you sign off when not in use.
• Ensure that the address bars at the top and bottom of the screen match the website you are trying to view.
• Ensure you purchase personal firewall software to protect against un-authorised remote access to information held on your computer and keep this upto date.
• Ensure you purchase anti-virus software and make regular updates to that software to protect your PC from virus attacks. Ideally you should get the anti-virus software updated at least once a week.