NatWest and RBS lead in protecting online banking customers

NatWest and RBS have become the first of the UK's high street banks to introduce a leading online security solution to protect their online banking customers. The innovative ‘Rapport' security software from Trusteer is available for online banking customers to download, for free, from the RBS and NatWest websites.

Rapport is also available for customers of other RBS Group banks, including Coutts, RBS International, NatWest International, Ulster Bank, The One account and Isle of Man Bank.

Internet users need to be aware of how they can best protect themselves when managing their finances online. Fraudsters continue to look for new and sophisticated ways to compromise personal details. In February 2009, Cyveillance, a world leader in cyber intelligence, conducted a test of best-of-breed anti-virus vendors and Web browser anti-phishing filters. It revealed that more than half of active malware (malicious software) and phishing threats on the Internet go undetected, with an average detection rate of 37 percent for malware and 42 percent for phishing. This includes harmful Trojans that are capable of stealing personal details including online banking passwords and card numbers.

In the face of this growing threat, the RBS Group works tirelessly to offer customers the best possible protection and has worked with the experts at Trusteer to make online banking much safer. Rapport offered as a free download, works alongside existing anti-virus software and firewalls to provide additional protection when banking online with RBSG at home. Rapport has successfully protected thousands of RBS Group customers that have downloaded the software.

Rapport was named the winner of the 2008 "Best of the Web" award from Online Banking Report. It works by securing communication between the customer and the bank during internet banking sessions, protecting their valuable personal information. Rapport warns customers if they are at risk of responding to a phishing attack, prevents Trojans from capturing their details, and inhibits any interference with online communications (such as transactions) between the customer and the bank.

Commenting on the uptake of Rapport by NatWest and RBS customers, Gavin Coull, e-Crime Prevention Manager for RBS Group, said:

"RBS Group is committed to providing the most secure online banking environment possible and has taken considerable steps over the past few years to warn customers about online fraud and encourage them to take appropriate steps to protect themselves online. Our partnership with Trusteer to offer Rapport as a free security tool to our customers is the latest step taken as part of our investment in enhanced security."

He continued: "Rapport is fast to download and easy to install, but most importantly it allows us to quickly and effectively react to emerging threats. It also enhances the effectiveness of our existing card reader security. We're pleased that over 500,000 customers are already benefiting from Rapport, with more downloading it everyday."

Staying safe online

Online banking customers should take their responsibility to manage their security arrangements seriously and RBS Group offers tips and guidance online to help them do this. Key steps that should be followed to stay safe online at home are:

Download Rapport
Install and use an anti-virus programme
Ensure computer firewalls are turned on

Rapport is now available as a free download to personal and business customers of RBS, NatWest, Coutts, RBS International, NatWest International, Ulster Bank, The One account and Isle of Man Bank.

RBS Group takes online security extremely seriously and has invested in a range of measures that help protect customers and their money, including extensive fraud detection systems.

For further information about staying safe online, visit rbs.co.uk/security or natwest.com/security