Frequently asked security questions

What does AntiVirus software do?

AntiVirus software will detect and eliminate viruses from your computer. If you use AntiVirus software you should regularly download updates from your preferred AntiVirus software supplier. This will help protect your computer from the latest virus threats.

What is a certificate?

Certificates form an essential part of providing reassurance to the customer that the site they are visiting is genuine. A certificate is required in the web browser and on the web server in order that an SSL session can be started and secure communication can take place.

What is a cookie?

A cookie is information that a web site puts on your hard disk so that it can remember something about you at a later time. More technically, it is information for future use that is stored by the web server on the customer side of a client/server communication. Typically, a cookie records your preferences when using a particular site.

What is encryption?

Encryption is the conversion of data into a form that cannot be understood by unauthorised people. Decryption is the process of converting encrypted data back into its original form, so it can be understood.

What is a firewall?

A personal firewall is a piece of software that provides a barrier between your computer and the internet. A firewall will prevent unauthorised access to your computer, however, it will not necessarily protect your computer from viruses, only a recognised Anti-Virus product can do this.

What is a Secure Socket Layer (SSL)?

SSL is a method of encryption that allows communication between a web browser and a web server to be private. Many web sites use SSL to secure customer information such as banking details. Normally you will not be aware of SSL as it works automatically when your web browser accesses a secure web site. You can tell if you’re in a secure web site by looking to see if ‘https:’ rather than ‘http:’ is displayed in the address bar where the web site address is located. You will also notice that in Internet Explorer a closed padlock can be seen at the bottom right-hand side of the browser window.