Online Security

What we do to protect you

We are committed to making our service as safe as possible. Below are some of the ways that we help to protect you:

• Our Online Services are hosted on a secure encrypted server - Encryption converts your information into a secure format before it is sent over the Internet.
• Our Online Services automatically log you out if you haven't used the service for 15 minutes - This increases security by limiting the time our online services are available should you forget to log out or leave your computer.
• Our log-in process includes the need to select two letters of your password from the dropdown lists - This protects against malicious software designed to capture keystrokes.
• If you make a number of incorrect attempts to log-in, we will disable your access - This is to stop fraudsters repeatedly trying to guess your details.

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How to protect yourself

In addition to the steps we have taken to protect you, there are a number of ways that you can help to protect yourself:

• Personal Security information - Passwords play an integral part in your account security and it is imperative that you keep your password protected and do not disclose it to anyone else. The same applies to your Customer ID and your answers to the security questions we ask. Our advice is to commit all of this information to memory.
  If you are ever concerned that you may have divulged information or compromised your security details, please contact our helpline on 0845 607 6991.
• Last logged on details - Every time you log on to our online services, we display the time and date you last logged on. If you believe that this is incorrect, someone else may have accessed your accounts online and you must contact the Northern Rock helpdesk immediately on 0845 607 6991 or 0191 279 2055
• Using the internet in a public place - Internet cafes are not always secure and sometimes these computers save passwords and other personal information without your knowledge. If you are using the Internet in a public place, do not leave the PC unattended and ensure that no one is watching what you type.
  You should not choose or change your personal information if you are in a public place such as an Internet cafe. When you are finished your session, always ensure that you close your browser and log off.
• Install security software - Protect your computer with security software that includes firewalls, anti-virus, and anti-spyware software. To be effective, the software should be updated on a regular basis
• Phishing - Some UK banks have become targets of fraudulent e-mail scams, where customers have been requested to provide or confirm their online security details by e-mail. This is referred to as "phishing". Unfortunately, there is little that Northern Rock, or any other bank can do to stop these e-mails being sent.

This is how Northern Rock would communicate with you:
• What we do - Any e-mail we send you will only contain links to features and information or promotions about Northern Rock's products and services. These links are for your convenience and you should always use our full website address directly in order to access your accounts.
• What we don't do - We will never send e-mails asking you to provide, update or confirm personal or security information, like your account number, PIN or security details via e-mail.
  Do not respond to e-mails that request personal information such as passwords, including any which appear to have been sent by Northern Rock, we will never request this information from you. Please forward it, preferably as an attachment, to report.phishing@northernrock.co.uk. We won't be able to reply individually but we do investigate every e-mail to ensure that any fraudulent sites are closed down as quickly as possible.

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More information about online security

If you'd like more information about online security, here are few sites which offer advice and provide 'best practice' procedures.

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