The innovative 'Rapport' anti-malware software from Trusteer, silently protects information entered by users into their Internet browser, including their unique customer ID and PIN, from malicious software like Trojans which could be hiding on some computers. It will also protect against redirection to fake lookalike web sites.

Rapport works alongside existing anti-virus software and firewalls to provide additional protection when banking, by ring-fencing information away from the Trojan. Rapport is currently available to over one million Alliance & Leicester's Internet Banking customers who can download this software from the Alliance & Leicester website.

Tim Brunt, Head of Internet Banking at Alliance & Leicester said: "I would urge all Alliance & Leicester customers who use Internet Banking to download this software the next time they are online. It will provide important additional protection when they bank online by ring-fencing their valuable information, and it is quick and easy to download. This free Rapport software could save them the stress and inconvenience of dealing with fraud on their account.

"There are some very clever fraudsters out there wanting your information. There are a few simple things that Internet banking customers can use to protect themselves against fraud - download Rapport on the computers you use to carry out Internet banking, install and use anti-virus software programme, and ensure your computer firewalls are turned on."

"Customers should be aware that Alliance & Leicester will never send them an email asking them to verify their security details or a link to Internet banking. Anyone who does receive an email claiming to be from Alliance & Leicester which they are suspicious of, should be forwarded