Barclays Bank selects F-Secure

Bank chooses new security provider to give customers peace of mind.

Barclays Bank has chosen to recommend F-Secure Internet Security to its online banking customers as part of a wider drive to protect customers when using the Internet.

F-Secure’s software, including anti-virus, anti-spyware protection and Rootkit detection, will be available as a download to customers who have a Barclays online account, ensuring high levels of security for sensitive and confidential transactions. Following the download, customers are assured that their computer is safe, protecting them from hackers, viruses, spyware and other digital attacks. The F-Secure software replaces the bank’s current offering.

Barclays Bank chose F-Secure as part of its drive to reassure its customers that online banking is both safe and convenient. Under the initiative, the banking giant will offer its customers a discounted subscription for F-Secure’s software to encourage best practice in the area of Internet security. "Our aim to act as responsibly towards our customers as possible, in all aspects of our work for them," said David Mitchell, senior operations manager at Barclays Bank. "When it comes to online banking, this means not just ensuring that our own processes are completely secure, but also that the customer’s own machine PC is protected, so that the whole transaction is totally safe."

Brian Gregory, Internet Security Business Manager at F-Secure UK, said: "Once a customer has logged in to online banking, they will be asked if they are interested in secure computing. Barclays will be promoting security software to its customers and have created a specific page giving security advice, FAQs and a link to purchase and download the software. The hope is that many people will consider using the software to ensure that their transactions are fully protected, so that their personal data is kept secure. The Internet and online banking has a myriad of threats and we are fortunate to work with such a forward thinking financial organisation."

Mitchell commented: "Security is a key concern for those considering online banking or purchasing goods and services over the Internet. We want to offer our customers the best solutions to help them stay safe online, so that more people feel confident about using the Internet. After looking at the market and testing numerous solutions, we believe F-Secure is the company to help us do this."

F-Secure has licensed its software to Barclays Bank, and will work to support the bank in its efforts to market the solution to its customers. Barclays will be promoting the offer to its email customers in January, and will include details of the software and tips on secure online banking in the February issue of its magazine, ‘Talk Money’. Further information on this offer can be found by visiting http://www.barclays.co.uk/security .