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Ways to keep yourself safe

Take care of yourself - you're important to us...

Think about mobile security

Look after your phone and treat its security in the same way you would your computer. You can get security apps for some smartphones, the most appropriate one depends on your device.

Make sure your phone has got a login code, be careful what you store on your phone, don't download anything dodgy onto it and keep your operating system up-to-date.

A simpler and secure way to access your smartphone is to use your fingerprint. Learn about Touch ID fingerprint scanner here.

Don't let anyone else access your device using their fingerprint or any other biometric data.

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  • Install anti-virus software


    The clue's in the name - computer viruses are nasty little things. But if you make sure you've got up-to-date anti-virus software, it should help you to keep your computer fit, healthy and secure.

    We recommend that you use reputable anti-virus software for your computer and mobile.

    The clue's in the name - computer viruses are nasty little things. But if you make sure you've got up-to-date anti-virus software, it should help you to keep your computer fit, healthy and secure.

    We recommend that you use reputable anti-virus software for your computer and mobile.

  • Keep your browser up-to-date


    Software companies work just as hard as we do to keep the bad guys at bay. Modern browsers warn you about fake and untrustworthy websites and they are less prone to viruses.

    It's a good idea to install an up-to-date web browser. There are several to choose from and they are all free.

    Software companies work just as hard as we do to keep the bad guys at bay. Modern browsers warn you about fake and untrustworthy websites and they are less prone to viruses.

    It's a good idea to install an up-to-date web browser. There are several to choose from and they are all free.

  • Activate your firewall


    A firewall blocks unwanted traffic between your computer and the internet. The latest versions of Microsoft Windows and Apple OS X have one built in - all you need to do is switch it on.

     

     

     

    A firewall blocks unwanted traffic between your computer and the internet. The latest versions of Microsoft Windows and Apple OS X have one built in - all you need to do is switch it on.

     

     

     

  • Watch out for spyware


    Some security scams are so sneaky you might not ever realise they're there. Spyware is one such blight. But luckily, there are some simple - and in some cases free - tools to help prevent anything you do on your computer from being spied on.

    Consider installing the following anti-spyware software such as AdAware and Spyware Blaster®

    Some security scams are so sneaky you might not ever realise they're there. Spyware is one such blight. But luckily, there are some simple - and in some cases free - tools to help prevent anything you do on your computer from being spied on.

    Consider installing the following anti-spyware software such as AdAware and Spyware Blaster®

  • Avoid phishing, frauds and cons


    Some criminals will try to trick you into telling them your passwords and bank details. Even if it looks and sounds legit, anyone asking for your security details is probably pulling a fast one - note that we will never, ever email or call asking for yours. If something seems a bit iffy, please let us know.

    Have a look at our fraud awareness page to find out more.

    Find out more about cyber crime at actionfraud.police.uk

    Some criminals will try to trick you into telling them your passwords and bank details. Even if it looks and sounds legit, anyone asking for your security details is probably pulling a fast one - note that we will never, ever email or call asking for yours. If something seems a bit iffy, please let us know.

    Have a look at our fraud awareness page to find out more.

    Find out more about cyber crime at actionfraud.police.uk

  • Stay safe when social networking


    Be careful what you share on things like Twitter and Facebook. You could unwittingly give away important details that criminals need to get around security measures - first pet/mother's maiden name etc - and it sounds obvious but don't post photos of your bank card.

    Be careful what you share on things like Twitter and Facebook. You could unwittingly give away important details that criminals need to get around security measures - first pet/mother's maiden name etc - and it sounds obvious but don't post photos of your bank card.

  • Look after paper statements


    Store receipts and paper bank statements securely and if you're planning to throw them away, make sure you always shred them before putting them in the bin. Switching to online statements will make things a bit easier - you can do this in Online Banking.

    Store receipts and paper bank statements securely and if you're planning to throw them away, make sure you always shred them before putting them in the bin. Switching to online statements will make things a bit easier - you can do this in Online Banking.

  • Our guarantee


    In the unlikely event that there's any funny business going on in your account and money is taken without your say so, in most circumstances we'll reimburse you in full - please see your account Terms and Conditions for more details.

    All we ask is that you take all reasonable precautions to keep your security details safe, like making sure no one can see them when you log on and not writing them down in a way that can be easily understood by someone else. You mustn't act fraudulently or let anyone else log on with your details.

    In the unlikely event that there's any funny business going on in your account and money is taken without your say so, in most circumstances we'll reimburse you in full - please see your account Terms and Conditions for more details.

    All we ask is that you take all reasonable precautions to keep your security details safe, like making sure no one can see them when you log on and not writing them down in a way that can be easily understood by someone else. You mustn't act fraudulently or let anyone else log on with your details.