Protect your computer

Anti-virus software
Anti-spyware software
Firewall security
Operating system security

Anti-virus software

Whilst most viruses will not affect the security of Yorkshire Bank’s 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 website. Keeping your computer virus-free is an integral part of maximizing your security over the Internet.

Be cautious with downloading files from the Internet. It’s best to assume that all downloads and file attachments included in e-mail messages could be infected, so make sure your virus protection software is set to scan all downloads 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 100% confident of the source.

For more information on anti-virus software, visit VirusBulletin.com (opens in new window) or FirewallGuide.com's (opens in new window) anti-virus guide.

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

Anti-spyware software

Spyware is software that is placed on a computer to secretly gather information about the user such as their browsing habits.  It is then passed on to advertisers or other interested parties. Spyware can slow down your computer, alter your homepage, produce lots of adverts or links to websites and even include keystroke logging software 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 (opens in new window) and Spybot Search & Destroy (opens in new window).

Important points to remember:

• Be careful when clicking on links on websites you do not know or 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 its built-in update tool or from the software vendor's website

Firewall security

A firewall is software designed to shield your computer from unauthorised 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 (for example, at work) check that your employer is maintaining a firewall.

We recommend that your firewall is set up to work on both incoming and outgoing Internet communications, 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, visit FirewallGuide.com (opens in a new window).

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
• Set your firewall to monitor both incoming and outgoing internet traffic so you have complete control

Operating system security

It is quite common for security problems to be discovered in existing software, particularly your computer’s operating system (eg- Microsoft Windows). When this happens, the software company 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 supplier’s website or using the update features in the software where 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 (opens in new window) to check for new patches from Microsoft. If you have Windows XP or Windows Vista, you can also use the built-in update tool to keep Windows up-to-date.

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, so it is good practice to check for patches
• If you have a Windows computer, check Microsoft's Windows Update (opens in new window) website regularly or use the automatic update tool
• If you have an Apple computer running OS X, run the ‘Software Update’ tool regularly