Over 500,000 customers already benefiting from free software. Over 90% of NatWest and RBS online banking customers who use Rapport would recommend the software
London UK, 20 May 2009 -- NatWest and RBS have become the first of the UK’s high street banks to introduce the most advanced online security solution to protect their online banking customers. The innovative ‘Rapport’ security software from Trusteer is available for online banking customers to download, for free, from the RBS and NatWest websites.
Rapport is also available for customers of other RBS Group banks, including Coutts, RBS International, NatWest International and Isle of Man Bank.
Internet users need to be aware of how they can best protect themselves when managing their finances online. Fraudsters continue to look for new and sophisticated ways to compromise personal details. In February 2009, Cyveillance, a world leader in cyber intelligence, conducted a test of best-of-breed anti-virus vendors and Web browser anti-phishing filters. It revealed that more than half of active malware (malicious software) and phishing threats on the Internet go undetected, with an average detection rate of 37 percent for malware and 42 percent for phishing. This includes harmful Trojans that are capable of stealing personal details including online banking passwords and card numbers.
In the face of this growing threat, the RBS Group works tirelessly to offer customers the best possible protection and has worked with the experts at Trusteer to make online banking much safer. Rapport offered as a free download, works alongside existing anti-virus software and firewalls to provide complete protection when banking online with RBSG at home. Rapport has successfully protected thousands of RBS Group customers that have downloaded the software.
Rapport was named the winner of the 2008 “Best of the Web” award from Online Banking Report. It works by securing communication between the customer and the bank during internet banking sessions, protecting their valuable personal information. Rapport warns customers if they are at risk of responding to a phishing attack, prevents Trojans from capturing their details, and inhibits any interference with online communications (such as transactions) between the customer and the bank.
Commenting on the uptake of Rapport by NatWest and RBS customers, Gavin Coull, e-Crime Prevention Manager for RBS Group, said: “RBS Group is committed to providing the most secure online banking environment possible and has taken considerable steps over the past few years to warn customers about online fraud and encourage them to take appropriate steps to protect themselves online. Our partnership with Trusteer to offer Rapport as a free security tool to our customers is the latest step taken as part of our investment in enhanced security.”
He continued: “Rapport is fast to download and easy to install, but most importantly it allows us to quickly and effectively react to emerging threats. It also enhances the effectiveness of our existing card reader security. We’re pleased that over 500,000 customers are already benefiting from Rapport, with more downloading it everyday.”
Online banking customers should take their responsibility to manage their security arrangements seriously and RBS Group offers tips and guidance online to help them do this. Key steps that should be followed to stay safe online at home are:
Rapport is now available as a free download to personal and business customers of RBS, NatWest, Coutts, RBS International, NatWest International and Isle of Man Bank.
The RBS group (rbs.co.uk) is a large international banking and financial services company. Headquartered in Edinburgh, the Group operates in the United Kingdom, Europe, the Americas and Asia, serving more than 40 million customers. The Group provides a wide range of products and services to personal, commercial and large corporate and institutional customers through its two principal subsidiaries, The Royal Bank of Scotland and NatWest, as well as through a number of other well known brands including, Citizens, Ulster Bank, Coutts, Direct Line and Churchill.
Trusteer enables online businesses to establish a secure communication tunnel with their customers over the Internet that stretches from user's keyboard into the company's website. Trusteer's flagship product, Rapport, allows online banks, brokerages, healthcare organisations, and retailers to protect their customers from identity theft and financial fraud. Unlike conventional approaches to internet security, Rapport protects users' confidential information even if their computer is infected with malware including Trojans, or is victimised by phishing attacks. Trusteer is a privately held corporation led by former executives from Cyota/RSA Security, Imperva, and NetScreen/Juniper. For more information visit www.trusteer.com.
Enquiries to:
Anita Ballantyne – Media Relations - NatWest / RBS
0207 672 1936
anita.ballantyne@rbs.co.uk
Editorial Contact:
Marc Gendron
Marc Gendron PR
(781) 237-0341
marc@mgpr.net