Protecting yourself online

Install an anti-virus application. This will detect and remove any viruses and other malicious software. This can cover your machines and business network. Speak to your IT department or a reputable IT software provider. They can offer further advice on anti-virus software. You should apply regular updates from the provider. Make sure you perform regular scans.

Call us if you’re having trouble logging on, or unusual screens appear. Contact our Online Banking Help Desk on 0800 085 1580 for advice.

Some transactions will need your authentication. This is done using your Security Device or the mobile app. You should only authenticate transactions when:

• The transaction is set up by you.
• You’ve confirmed the transaction has been set up by an authorised user.

Take time to check the details match the transaction requested. If they don’t, stop and contact us.

Do not share any codes from your Security Device with anyone. Not even with someone from Santander. If you're asked to do this, it will be a fraudulent request.

• Choose User Access. Only designated users have access to Santander Connect. Their access can be tailored to meet responsibilities within your business. Where appropriate, only allocate payment permissions to certain users. This offers more fraud protection.
  
• Use dual authorisation where possible to authenticate your payments. This means two people are involved in making an online transaction. Typically, the first person creates and authenticates the payment request. The second user checks it before we send the payment. Your administrator user can set up and manage this feature. This is under the ‘Administration’ menu in Santander Connect.
  
• User authorisation limits. Financial limits can be placed on each user. This controls the maximum value of a payment that they can authorise. It offers another barrier to fraudulent activity. We recommend that every user has an authorisation limit applied.
  
• Company payment limits. Within Santander Connect Online Banking, an overall maximum value payment limit can be applied across all users irrespective of their own authorisation limit. For your security this is set by default to £10,000. This can be changed by your administrator.
  
• Regular review of users accessing service. Your administrator for Santander Connect should review all registered users. This should be done regularly. Inactive users should be removed immediately. This reduces the risk of their credentials being compromised.
  
• Make sure all users are keeping their information up to date. It’s important that all users keep their details up to date. Especially their email addresses and contact numbers. This is so we can make prompt contact about your account and transactions.

Make sure your web browser is up to date. Ensure you're using the latest version of your chosen web browser. Apply regular updates from the provider. Mainstream web browsers have integral security features. These can detect threats such as fake websites. Consult your IT department or a reputable IT supplier to ensure you're using the latest version.

Never leave your computer unattended when banking online. Log out properly from our Online Banking service. You can do this by selecting the ‘Log off’ button. Then confirm you wish to log off. This ensures your online connection to the bank is closed.

This can prevent intruders from accessing your businesses computer network. Most operating systems have integral firewalls that manage your web traffic. They provide an effective barrier between your computer and unwanted activity from the internet. Consult your IT department or a reputable IT supplier. They can ensure your firewall is configured correctly.

If you use a wireless connection to access the internet, you must ensure it is protected. This will avoid anyone interfering with your connection. Typically, most Wi-Fi connections have suitable protection. This is a minimum of WPA2 encryption. You should also make sure it is password protected.

A cache is a store of temporary internet files and data. Web pages you have visited are stored in your computer's memory. Regularly delete browsing history and clear your cache.

Choosing a strong password is essential. It will help protect your online information and accounts. Here are some key tips for making strong passwords:

• The most secure passwords have more than 7 characters. They also use a mixture of letters, numbers and other characters.
  
• Do not use the same passwords across different websites and services.
  
• Don’t use names or birthdays. These can be guessed more easily by fraudsters.
  
• Change your passwords regularly.
  
• Keep passwords safe. Do not write a password down or share it with anyone else.
  
• We will never ask you to verify full password information. This shouldn't be shared with anyone.

Emails can contain viruses and malicious software (malware). Some malware is distributed by emails containing links or attachments. These can be in emails you are expecting. But, more often, it comes through emails you're not expecting.