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Protect your computer

Anti-virus

When using digital channels, you have an obligation to make sure your computer has up-to-date anti-virus software.

Anti-virus software is used to prevent, detect and remove known viruses.

When you use anti-virus software, make sure that you carry out regular software updates to keep it as up to date as possible. If your anti-virus software has a virus scanner option, it’s recommended that you schedule regular scans of your computer. If a virus is ever found, it’s recommended that you follow the instructions provided by your anti-virus software to remove it.

Updates and patches

Software patches work to close a hole or weakness in your computer's software. Keep your operating system (e.g. Windows 7 or Apple macOS) and your web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer or Firefox) up to date by regularly checking the developer's websites.

Always check with Barclays prior making upgrades to your operating systems and browsers as it may impact your access to our digital channels.

Install internet security software or anti-malware and a firewall. Run a full scan of your computer and update your software regularly.

Wireless networks

If you’re using a wireless network you should make sure that the wireless connection is secure and has a minimum of authentication type of WPA2, (not WEP or WPA). You can check this in the Wi-Fi properties on your device.  

Downloads

There are many internet frauds that rely on people downloading software to their computer often without their knowledge or consent. Don’t download any software onto your computer unless it’s from a trusted source or site.

Be vigilant when downloading other software off the internet such as MP3s as malicious software is often 'hidden' amongst legitimate software.

Email attachments

Be vigilant when receiving attachments by email, even if they appear to be sent from your bank.

Emails are a common way to spread viruses. If you’re at all suspicious, do not open the email or click on any links within it and delete it immediately.

If you’re ever in doubt about whether an email or a screen asking for details is genuine, don’t enter any information or open any links.

Email security

Always double check the sender’s address, to make sure it matches with an existing contact. If unsure, follow up in a new email or by telephoning a number you recognise.

If you believe your email account has been compromised, sign in and change your password immediately. If you can’t access your account because a password has been changed, contact your email service provider immediately.

Consider setting up two factor authentication (2FA) also known as multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an additional layer to your account security. Doing this makes it harder for criminals to access your online accounts, even if they know your password.

Spyware

Spyware is a program that can secretly gather information about you as you use your computer. It’s commonly downloaded without the knowledge or consent of the user. It can 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. If your security software detects a threat on your computer, it’s recommended that you follow the instructions provided by your security software to remove it.

Trojan programs

Trojan programs are hidden programs, again commonly downloaded without the knowledge or consent of the user, that can give control of your computer to a hacker or gather information about you as you use your computer. A Trojan is a type of computer worm or virus that is installed on your computer without your knowledge or consent.

Typically, the fraudster will send you an email that tries to trick you into following a website link and downloading a piece of software or opening an attachment. If you take this action, the Trojan can be installed.

Trojans can be capable of recording passwords and other personal details by capturing keystrokes or taking screen shots of sites you visit. These details can then be sent to the fraudster.

What we're doing to protect you

Our website security:
The security of your financial and personal information is very important to us and we take appropriate steps to protect you online. We use proven technology to make sure that our online services are provided in a safe and secure environment. This includes:

  • Secure Socket Layer: Our web based services use a technology known as Secure Socket Layer (SSL) which means that the information sent across the network is scrambled. To support this technology, you need an SSL-capable browser. A symbol on your browser, usually a lock or key, tells you if you are on a secure site. If the symbol is unbroken or in the locked position, then you’re using a secure connection to the server. Please note that whilst a padlock sign denotes a secure encrypted connection a fraudster could still own the site.
  • Time-outs: Following a period of inactivity, we apply a time-out to your session in case you forget to log out.