Security

At TSB we’re committed to making your online experience as safe as possible. We use the latest security measures to protect your money, your personal information and your privacy. There are also a number of steps you can take to stay safe. Make sure you understand what the current threats are, and what you can do to protect yourself.

To keep up to date on online security issues visit www.getsafeonline.org/.

What can I do to stay safe online?

• Stay up to date. By keeping your antivirus software, browsers, applications and firewall up to date you will be making life much more difficult for the criminals trying to steal your data. If you are unsure how to carry out these steps then you should ask someone with computer experience whom you trust, or speak to a PC support professional.
• Keep your operating system up to date (e.g. Windows). Ensuring your operating system is up to date will protect you against security threats such as malware. You can set-up your computer to receive updates automatically via the internet. You can find out how to do this through your operating system provider (e.g. Microsoft if you are a Windows user, or Apple if you are a Mac OS user).
• Use anti-virus software. Running anti-virus software and keeping it up-to-date can help you to stop viruses, Trojans and many other nasty 'bugs' from infecting your computer. You can use this free diagnostic check to help identify if a virus is present on your device - although this is no substitute for having an up to date anti-virus solution running at all times.
• Keep your web browser up to date. Ensuring your web browser is up to date will help protect you against security threats such as malware. You can check for the latest browser version from your browser providers' website. (e.g. Microsoft if you are an Internet Explorer user or Google if you are a Chrome user).
• Use a firewall. Your computer's very own burglar alarm and, if configured correctly, it prevents potential ‘intruders’ from accessing your computer. Many anti-virus vendors include a firewall as part of their security products.
• Prevent spyware. Spyware is a rather nasty form of online snooping. You can help prevent spyware from getting onto your computer by using an up-to-date anti-spyware software and surfing with caution.
• Secure your wireless connection. Without a secure wireless network, anyone can use your connection. Securing your wireless connection, can be as simple as setting up a password and your internet service provider will be able to provide instructions on how to do this.
• Mobile devices. If you are using a mobile device to access the internet make sure you use antivirus software appropriate for that device. Security for your mobile device is just as important as security for your home computer.

You can also check websites such as Bank Safe Online, Action Fraud Online and Get Safe Online to keep up to date with the latest online security threats.

How should I protect my security details?

• Use strong passwords. A good password should be longer than seven characters and contain a mix of letters and numbers. You should also avoid using your name, username or something too obvious as a password. Remember to use different passwords for logging into different sites and you should change your passwords regularly.
  In the same way you would protect your PIN for your bankcards, keep your online passwords safe. Never let your passwords be known to anyone and don’t write them down. If you believe they may have been compromised change them as soon as you can.

In addition,

• Never leave your computer unattended when logged in placing business, especially without a screen lock. We recommend that you log out if you leave your computer unattended.
• When logging in, make sure that no-one can see what you're typing.
• Always log out and close your browser when you have finished placing business.
• Never respond to emails that request you to reply with your security details, including those that appear to be from TSB.
• Remember that protecting your UserID, passwords and username is your responsibility.