Our online security

When you log on, we ask you for 3 characters of your memorable information, which you select from drop down lists. This protects you from viruses that try to capture your details, because:

• you never give all your memorable information at once.
• you don't type your memorable information.

If someone repeatedly attempts to log on to your internet banking account with incorrect details, we disable all access to the service as a security measure.

If you accidentally disable your access by entering the wrong details, you can reactivate your account easily:

• go to the log on page.
• click on 'Forgotten password and memorable information'.
• follow the on screen instructions.

When you bank online with us you are in a secure session — shown by the padlock symbol at the bottom right of your browser window. This means all your personal information is encrypted with a complex code before it leaves your computer so that no one else can read it.

We use the industry standard 128-bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption.

When you log on to internet banking, we show you the last date and time that your account was accessed online. If this isn't last time you used internet banking, check your account(s) carefully and call us immediately:

• From the UK: 0845 3000 116
• Outside the UK: +44 20 7649 9437

If you accidentally forget to log off internet banking, we'll log you off automatically after 10 minutes. This reduces the risk of someone else accessing your account.