FNB will offer free browser-based security to all Personal and Business Online Banking customers, protecting them from the growing threat posed by cyber crime.

Prevx SafeOnline provides an extra layer of security which protects confidential account numbers, passwords and personal information from malicious software (malware) and phishing attacks. The software, which can run alongside all other security products without affecting PC performance, strengthens the internet browser and protects all login credentials including user IDs and passwords. It also shields other personal details, such as the information displayed and entered when accessing social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Gmail. SafeOnline significantly enhances the security of all online transactions.

Lee-Anne van Zyl, CEO of FNB Online, commented: "Online banking is becoming increasingly popular and, as such, it has become a target for cyber criminals across the globe. To combat this, the global banking industry must do two things. Firstly, we must improve security systems and choose the right solutions to protect ourselves and our customers. Secondly, in order to ensure cyber crime doesn't impact the popularity of online banking, we must be able to reassure and prove to customers that they are safe to bank online. By offering Prevx SafeOnline to our customers free of charge, they will browse safe in the knowledge that they are not only protected at the bank's site, but also when they are browsing the web."

Reacting to the rising level of cyber crime, FNB decided now was the time to offer Prevx SafeOnline to all online customers. Having reviewed the various solutions on the market, Prevx SafeOnline was chosen because it not only offers strong protection against cyber crime but is light, fast, and able to run alongside other security solutions which the customer may already have installed. The software protects in three ways: it helps to ensure that the websites the user accesses are genuine, immediately alerting them to phishing sites or a fake FNB website; customers are also alerted if they attempt to expose their login credentials and passwords accidentally to an insecure website; finally, the solution protects personal information from being stolen by malicious software such as banking Trojans like Zeus, Silon and Yaludle, as well as rootkits and other PC infections. Where malicious software is present on the customer's PC, SafeOnline will inform the customer via a report detailing the infections, their severity, and the security status of their PC. It will also suggest a number of remedial options, including contacting their existing antivirus provider for assistance in removing the infections and restoring their PC's security. This approach increases the customer's overall awareness of PC security and helps them better protect themselves from the risks and inconvenience of online fraud.

Van Zyl continued: "Many consumers are hesitant to download security software because they worry how it will work alongside their existing antivirus software. In addition, much of the security software on the market can significantly slow down users' PCs, resulting in many people switching off the software and opening themselves up to attack. Quite simply, we were looking for a vendor that solved all of these problems. There would be little point in us offering free internet security only for our customers to grow frustrated and remove it after a week or so. We needed something that protected customers without impacting them in any way. This is exactly what we have with Prevx SafeOnline."

Mel Morris, CEO at Prevx, added: "The sheer amount of information consumers now share, whether through social media or online banking and email, makes them more vulnerable to malicious software and cyber crime than ever before. With this in mind, security solutions that simply protect login credentials and session information during online banking are no longer adequate. Online transaction security must now include browser-based security solutions that protects the user at all times, across all websites: effectively hiding confidential data from cyber criminals. The war against cyber crime will only be won if security vendors, banks, and consumers unite. We're delighted that FNB is as committed and passionate about this battle as we are at Prevx."

As a Prevx SafeOnline Business Partner, FNB will receive free, real-time reports about major threats such as phishing sites and PC infections, enabling them to better manage the risk of online fraud.