Clydesdale Bank International

Whilst most viruses will not affect the security of Clydesdale Bank International Internet Banking, we recommend you regularly scan your computer with the latest anti-virus software. Anti-virus updates are usually available from within the software package or from the software vendor's internet site. Keeping your computer virus free is an integral part of maximizing your security over the Internet.

Be cautious with file downloads. Assume that all downloads and file attachments included in e-mail messages could be infected and ensure that your virus protection software is set to scan all download and attachment files, particularly if you don't know or trust the person who has sent you the attachment. You should also avoid downloading and running executable files (programs with a '.EXE' file extension) unless you are certain of the source.

For more information on anti-virus software go to  VirusBulletin.com or FirewallGuide.com's anti-virus guide. You are referred in particular to the Terms and Conditions and Rules of Use on these external sites.

Important points to remember:

• Update your anti-virus software regularly using either its built in update tool or through the software vendor's website
• Be cautious while downloading files, particularly executable files ('.EXE')
• Scan all downloaded files and attachments before opening them
  
  

Spyware is software that is placed on a computer to secretly gather information about the user such as their browsing habits which is then passed on to advertisers or other interested parties. Spyware will slow down your computer, alter your homepage, produce lots of adverts or links to websites and even include keystroke loggers to record details such as passwords and user names.

These programs are often installed without the user's consent as a result of visiting a website or through clicking on an option in a deceptive pop-up window. Spyware can also be carried in viruses or installed alongside other free software downloaded from the internet. You should read the license agreements for such software very carefully before you agree to install it.

There are a number of free anti-spyware software tools and commercial products that claim to be able to remove Spyware from your computer. These should be regularly updated like anti-virus software with the latest definition files from the vendor. Two such free products are Ad-aware and Spybot Search & Destroy.

Important points to remember:

• Be careful when clicking on links on websites you do not trust
• Keep your anti-virus software up-to-date
• Pay careful attention to the license agreements of software downloaded from the internet
• Run anti-spyware software regularly and make sure it is up-to-date by using it's built in update tool or from the software vendor's website

A firewall is a piece of software designed to shield your computer from unauthorized access and block unwanted internet activity. If you are using your home computer to access the internet you should use a software firewall. If you use any other PC (eg at work) check that your employer is maintaining a firewall.

It is recommended that your firewall is set up to work on both incoming and outgoing internet traffic, so that you control not only what you allow into your PC, but also have control over what leaves it.

Like anti-virus and anti-spyware software, a range of firewalls are available as free downloads, for more information and advice on different Firewall software go to FirewallGuide.com.

Important points to remember:

• Make sure your computer has an adequate firewall installed while using the internet
• Keep your firewall software up-to-date at all times to provide the maximum possible protection
• Set your firewall to monitor both incoming and outgoing internet traffic so you have complete control

It is quite common for security problems to be discovered in existing software. When this happens the software company responsible for the software will usually issue an update known as a patch. You should regularly check for updates to the main software on your computer by visiting the suppliers website or using the update features in their software where these are available. Since everything on your computer relies on your operating system working properly it is very important to keep it up to date.

If you have a Windows computer you should regularly visit Windows Update to check for new patches from Microsoft. If you have windows XP then you can also use the built in update tool to keep Windows up-to-date, this can even be set to be done automatically.

If you have an Apple computer running OS X you should run the Software Update tool regularly.

Important points to remember:

• Security holes and bugs in software are discovered quite regularly therefore it is good practice to check for patches. It is particularly important to keep your operating system up-to-date because all your other software depends on your operating system working properly
• If you have a Windows Computer check Microsoft's update website often, XP users can use the built in update tool
• If you have an Apple computer running OS X you should run the Software Update tool regularly

Important Information

Clydesdale Bank International is a trading name of Clydesdale Bank PLC. The Guernsey branch of Clydesdale Bank PLC is licensed as a deposit taker by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission, under the Banking Supervision (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 1994 as amended.