Barclays fights online fraud with free anti-virus software and text message updates for customers

    /24-7PressRelease/ - EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND, May 27, 2006 - Barclays is launching a new online anti-fraud initiative and becoming the first bank to offer free anti-virus software to its customers. Customers will also be offered an innovative text message service notifying them of new payees on their online account, helping to cut occurrences of fraud attacks.

Online fraudsters are using increasingly sophisticated methods to extract secure details from customers of both banks and retailers. Common tactics include phishing - sending emails claiming to be from a bank asking for personal and security information - and Trojans - installing software on a customer's PC which can record security and log-in details.

Barclays will help to protect its customers from attack by offering online customers F-Secure's anti-virus software free of charge The award-winning package* is widely regarded in the industry as the most effective of its kind with the fastest response times to the latest threats, and automatic hourly updates. It prevents viruses and worms being downloaded to a computer, scans emails, protects users against spyware and comes with free 24/7 technical support.

In addition to the free software, Barclays is introducing an innovative SMS text message service, notifying customers when new third party payments are set up on their account. The free service will send a text message when an online payment is made for the first time, enabling customers to alert the bank immediately if the transaction is suspicious.

Barnaby Davis, Director, Electronic Banking, said "Online banking has revolutionised the way people manage their money and we are constantly working to keep our services as secure as possible.

"Because online banking is so secure fraudsters have turned their attention to customers and target them to specifically get their security details for their accounts. It is important that customers take sensible steps to reduce the risk of becoming a victim - for example keeping personal information such as pin numbers and passwords secret, never revealing log in details and signing out after using secure websites.

"Our new anti-virus and SMS text initiatives will go a long way towards offering customers additional protection and peace of mind and help Barclays and its customers stay one step ahead of the criminals"

Richard Hales, Country Manager, F-Secure UK, said: "Online security should be an important concern for everyone using the internet and a comprehensive anti-virus package is essential. This free software offer will provide Barclays customers with the confidence that they are protected against online fraud, not only for their banking with Barclays but for all of their internet activity."

For more advice and information see Barclays' anti-fraud initiatives

Author:
Michael Hanna

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