Bank online more safely
If you bank online, you may have seen a message on your bank’s website prompting you to install software called Rapport.
It’s an extra layer of security that sits between your computer and your bank, preventing attacks.
It has two main functions – firstly, it makes sure that when you go to your bank’s site, that’s where you’re really going, which stops you being directed by a virus or other attack to a fraudulent site. This worked well in our testing.
The second function is less clear – the program stops anything from taking a screenshot of your computer while you’re banking.
However, some readers have been in touch to say they take such screenshots of their accounts for their own reference. It also prevents screen-reading software from working, which causes problems for the visually impaired.
Despite this, for most users Rapport will be a good addition to their security arsenals, but beware the pitfalls. If it does cause problems, it’s easy to uninstall.
Not all banks offer it, though – check with yours to see if it's available. In the UK the major banks offering it are those from the RBS group (including Natwest), HSBC (and First Direct) and Alliance and Leicester.
