Rapport - safer banking software

To help protect you online, we're recommending free security software called Rapport, from the financial security experts at Trusteer.

Online Banking Report described Rapport as ‘…a major boost in fraud prevention…'. They also named Rapport ‘Best of the Web'.

Analysts at Frost & Sullivan have described Rapport as ‘…focusing on what needs to be done…'.

Now all you have to do is download Rapport – and let it protect your computer.

• Shields your online banking details from prying eyes
• Safeguards your identity
• Protects your details, even if your computer is infected

Your password and login information are valuable to fraudsters. That's why criminals are always looking for new ways to steal your identity and take money from your bank account.

Using hard-to-detect techniques, fraudsters could steal your details when you bank online. Fraudsters do this by tricking you – making you believe you're sending these details to your bank.

In fact, the details could be going straight to the fraudsters instead – even if it looks like you're on your bank's website.

Unfortunately, antivirus software and firewalls alone can't protect you from these attacks.

You do your bit with antivirus software and a firewall - they're really important. However, criminals are getting more and more sophisticated - so even the best packages can't detect all the latest attacks.

A recent test of best-of-breed antivirus vendors and web browser anti-phishing filters revealed that "more than half of active malware and phishing threats on the Internet go undetected, with an average detection rate of 29 percent for malware and 44 percent for phishing."
Source: Cyveillance, August 2009

Install Rapport, and you'll boost your security - making it even harder for fraudsters to intercept your login details.

To defend your personal details, you need to use Rapport alongside antivirus software and a firewall.

Here's how each type of protection works:

• Antivirus- helps to stop threats, by scanning your computer and looking for suspicious files
• Firewall- hides your computer from attackers, and helps stop criminals getting data in and out of your computer
• Rapport- locks down the connection between your machine and NatWest online banking. It checks our site is genuine, and stops your data going to counterfeit sites

It's always good to have more security on your computer – especially when it's free and it doesn't slow down your machine.

• Peace of mind – Rapport tells you that you really are connected to your bank, and not a fraudulent website
• Protect your passwords – shut out criminals spying on your online banking details
• Safeguard your identity – identity theft is one of the fastest-growing threats in the UK
• Well proven - Rapport was developed by the online security experts at Trusteer

• Ready to protect – the software is ready to protect your online banking with NatWest
• Flexible – you can set up the software to protect any website that uses private or personal data
• Ahead of the game – Rapport stops fraudsters in their tracks, without relying on constant updates
• Fast – Rapport is a small piece of software. It's designed to let your computer work just as quickly as before

• Works alongside your antivirus and firewall – simply keep your current protection in place, and enjoy the extra protection of Rapport

Check Rapport works with your computer.

At the moment, Rapport doesn't work with screen readers. Although you can install it, you have to turn off some of the protection.

However, we're working with the people behind Rapport, to see if they can create a more accessible version.

• Why do I need the software?
• Do I still need antivirus software?
• How am I protected?
• Is my existing security software compatible with Rapport?
• Which websites are protected?
• Does the software work on Macs?
• Will it work on my PC?
• How do I know I'm protected?
• I've got a problem with the software. Can I get help?
• I think I've been a victim of online fraud. What do I do?
• Why does my address bar say “The Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc”?
• Does Rapport work with screen reading software?
• I have some additional questions. Who can I ask?

Why do I need the software?

Traditional security software is good – but it can only do so much.

Rapport goes one step beyond the criminals, to protect your username, password, and other sensitive login information. This prevents malware and fraudulent websites from stealing your information.

The software also protects your online communication – and prevents malware from tampering with your transactions.

However, it's vital you use Rapport alongside your antivirus software and firewall. It's not designed to replace your other protection.

Do I still need antivirus software?

Absolutely. Antivirus software is a vital part of your computer's defences, and you need to make sure it's up-to-date. Rapport is designed to work alongside your antivirus software and firewall - it's not designed to replace them.

How am I protected?

Firewalls, antivirus software and Rapport work in very different ways:

• Antivirus- helps to stop threats, by scanning your computer and looking for suspicious files
• Firewall- hides your computer from attackers, and helps stop criminals getting data in and out of your computer
• Rapport- locks down the connection between your machine and NatWest online banking. It checks our site is genuine, and stops your data going to counterfeit sites

To defend your personal details, you need to use Rapport alongside antivirus software and a firewall.

Is my existing security software compatible with Rapport?

Rapport is designed to work alongside your existing antivirus software and firewall - it's not designed to replace them.

Visit the Trusteer website for a complete list of compatible security software.

Which websites are protected?

When you download the software, it's already set up to protect you when you visit NatWest websites.

However, you can set the software up to protect other websites too.

Visit the Trusteer website to protect other websites

Does the software work on Macs?

Yes. Rapport is available for Mac users. For more information read the system requirements.

Will it work on my PC?

Yes. Rapport is available for PC users. For more information read the system requirements.

How do I know I'm protected?

You need to look out for the Rapport icon which appears next to your browser's address bar.

You're protected – the icon is green when your information is safe:

No protection – the icon is grey when Rapport is not safe-guarding your information:

I've got a problem with the software. Can I get help?

Yes, simply use the help function within the software – how to contact Trusteer about a problem.

You can also email support@trusteer.com. Expect to receive an automated response within 20 minutes and a detailed response within one business day.

I think I've been a victim of online fraud. What do I do?

If you think any of your accounts with us have been accessed online by someone other than yourself – please contact us immediately.

Why does my address bar say “The Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc”?

When you successfully log in to our online banking service using a recent browser (such as IE8 or Firefox 3), the address bar will turn green. It's an extra way of helping you check that a website is safe, secure and trustworthy. The name for this 'traffic light' system is extended validation certificates.

These security certificates confirm the website is encrypted and that the organisation has been authenticated according to industry standards. If the organisation does not conform to these standards, the address bar will turn red.

NatWest is a member of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group (the Group). For information about our Group of companies please visit the ‘About Us' section on www.rbs.com.

For more information on extended validation certificates, visit the Internet Explorer pages.

Does Rapport work with screen reading software?

At the moment, Rapport doesn't work with screen readers. Although you can install Rapport, you have to turn off some of the protection.

However, we're working with the people behind Rapport, to see if they can create a more accessible version.

I have some additional questions. Who can I ask?

The Trusteer website has answers to lots more questions; please visit Trusteer's Frequently Asked Questions on Rapport.