Staying safe online

• Security centre
• Spot common scams
• How RBS protects you
• Protect yourself
  • Protect your identity
  • Protect your computer
    • Trojans
    • Firewall
    • Anti-virus
    • Anti-spyware
    • Browser updates
    • Operating system updates
    • Wireless network protection
  • Stay safe online
  • Personal safety
  • Top tips
• Reporting fraud

Debit and credit cards

• Card security

Useful information

• Jargon buster

A computer virus is much more than just an inconvenience. If your computer is affected, your personal and financial information could be compromised - and that's just the beginning. Viruses are harmful programmes that disrupt the way computers work. They can be installed from scam emails or infected websites. The user may not even know that they are infected.

What are the implications?

Viruses are designed to replicate and multiply, spreading between computers. They can cause severe problems, sending out spam email, slowing down or crashing your computer, corrupting or deleting files, and sending confidential information to fraudsters. Viruses may even redirect your internet browser to spoof websites.

What can I do?

The most effective protection is to keep your computer’s security up-to-date:

• Protect yourself by installing an anti-virus programme and keeping it up-to-date.
• More advice on staying safe online
• Report any suspected fraud to your bank immediately