Spyware

Spyware is a term used for software that is installed on your computer, often without your proper consent, to display advertising, collect personal information, or change the configuration of your computer.
You might have spyware or other unwanted software on your computer if:

• You see pop-up adverts even when you're not browsing the web
• Your browser's start page or search settings change without warning
• A new toolbar appears in your browser that you didn't want
• Your computer starts to run slower or crash more often

Spyware is often installed along with other software that you have downloaded. 'Free' software like browser toolbars, weather programs and screen savers sometimes install
spyware onto your computer. In the 'small print' of the license agreement that you see during installation, it will tell you that the extra software is going to be installed, but many people don't realise the implications.

Usually this software is fairly harmless - it collects information about your browsing habits and displays advertising targeted to your interests - but it may slow down your computer and you may think it invades your privacy. If you have read the terms and conditions of installing the software and are happy to accept them, there's no problem.

Some spyware is more malicious - it may scan your hard disk to try and capture your personal information, such as banking details and passwords, and transmit them to criminals. It may also try to shut down your anti-virus or anti-spyware programs.

To help keep your system free of these threats, follow our tips on avoiding spyware.

Avoiding spyware
Spyware can invade your privacy, bombard you with pop-up windows, slow down your computer, and even make it crash.

There are three main steps you can take to protect your computer against spyware and other unwanted software.

1. Download and install anti-spyware protection
Microsoft offers a free anti-spyware program, Windows Defender (opens a new window), to Windows users.

2. Keep your software up to date
Make sure the software on your computer - particularly the operating system - is up to date. If you're running Windows, you can download updates from the Microsoft security site (opens a new window). You can use the Microsoft security site to allow your PC to receive updates from Microsoft automatically, so you won't have to remember to download them. Alternatively, you can manually set your computer to receive updates automatically.

3. Surf and download safely

• Most spyware is installed when people surfing the net don't realise what they're agreeing to. Follow these tips to make it less likely you'll be caught out.
• Only download programs from websites you trust. If you're not sure whether a particular program is safe, ask a knowledgeable friend, or enter the name of the program into your favourite search engine, to see if anyone has reported that it contains spyware
• Read all security warnings, license agreements, and privacy statements associated with any software you download
• Never click 'OK' or 'I agree' in a pop-up window on the internet unless you are sure what you are agreeing to
• Be wary of 'free' music and movie file-sharing programs, and make sure you understand what the software comes packaged with those programs

Links to external sites are provided as part of our commitment to making online banking safe and secure. However, we cannot accept responsibility or liability for the content or availability of these sites. We cannot guarantee that any software downloaded from these sites will work, or be free from viruses or malicious code.