Online Security

Security is paramount here at Bank of Scotland. Our online services have been developed in conjunction with industry-leading specialists in online banking security and include the very latest technology, such as encryption, multiple firewalls, RSA Tokens and Smartcard access. We constantly review our security systems and procedures. We urge you to take every step you can to ensure the PC you use to access online banking is secure too.

Protect your computer

To help you guard your PC, there are a number of straightforward precautions you can take.

Secure your computer by implementing most or all of these precautions.

• Use anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date on a regular basis.
• Install and learn how to use a personal firewall.
• Download the latest security updates (or patches) for your web browser and operating system.

Protect your details

Follow these simple precautions to stop your details falling into the wrong hands.

• Never write down your password or security details for online banking.
• Never divulge these details to anyone.
• Never enter personal or financial information unless you know the website.
• Never use your online password / codes at any non-banking sites.
• Never leave your computer unattended when signed into online banking.

These simple, common-sense precautions make the task of any fraudster that much more difficult.

The following website provides helpful guides, links to security software vendors, plus information on the latest threats; this website is run by APACS, the UK Payments Association, on behalf of it's member banks. www.banksafeonline.org.uk (opens new window).

Beware bogus emails

You may sometimes receive a fraudulent email claiming to be from Bank of Scotland. These emails request that customers verify or re-activate their account by clicking on a link and entering their login details/token code. Although this may link to a page that appears to be a genuine Bank of Scotland site, we can assure you that we would NEVER request personal information via this method. This is commonly known as website spoofing or phishing.

If you receive one of these emails you should forward it to onlineinvestigations@bankofscotland.co.uk, and then delete it immediately without responding or visiting any site it details.

Please be aware that these emails may also contain viruses and we recommend that you ensure that your anti virus software is up to date and also scan your PC for viruses.

You should only ever enter your security details when you have typed the appropriate URL into your browser address bar, e.g. www.bankofscotland.co.uk and clicked on the appropriate login button.

If you are concerned that you may have disclosed any personal or security information, please contact the Internet Banking Helpdesk immediately on 0845 300 2924† or the Corporate Online Helpdesk on 0845 300 6444†.

† Telephone calls may be recorded for security purposes and monitored under our quality control procedures.