Yes. We use 128-bit SSL encryption for your registration and credit card details to keep them secure.

To check if a site is secure, look for a padlock at the bottom of your browser window, to show that your session is being encrypted. You can then double-click on the padlock to see the level of security being used.

However, there are a couple of exceptions. In Internet Explorer 5, for example, the padlock sometimes disappears or clicking on it displays the message "This certificate has failed to verify for all its intended purposes". This is a software fault with the browser and can be fixed by downloading the latest version of Internet Explorer from www.microsoft.com.

You can help combat any potential fraud by taking the following measures:

Use a firewall to keep out viruses and hackers. Some examples of popular firewall software are: ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite from Zone Labs, McAfee Internet Security Suite, or Norton Internet Security. Type any of these names into a search engine and go to their websites for further information.

Install anti-virus software and ensure it’s kept up-to-date. This should protect your computer against the latest viruses. Some examples of popular anti-virus products are: ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite from Zone Labs, McAfee Virus Scan, Norton Anti-Virus, or Sophos Anti-Virus. Type any of these names into a search engine and go to their websites for further information.

Use up-to-date anti-spyware software to protect against programmes that fraudsters can use to collect information about your internet usage. Some examples of popular anti-spyware software are: AdAware or Spybot’s Search and Destroy can help to protect your computer.

Get the latest software updates from the company that produces your operating system to protect against any security threats. Microsoft users can visit: http://www.microsoft.com/security.

Mac users: http://www.apple.com/uk/support.

Monitor your emails. Emails are a common way to spread harmful codes or to trick you into revealing your Internet banking information. While we may email you from time to time, we will never ask for your security details. If you suspect you’ve received a fraudulent email claiming to be from us, please forward it to us for investigation at and then delete it immediately.

If you don't, it might be possible for someone else to re-start the session on the computer before it has timed out.

You can help us to combat any potential fraud by following these steps:

Logging on

• Never share your username, password or security number with anyone
• Don't write down your password or record it on your computer or browser
• Make sure no-one can see what you are keying in, either directly, via a security camera or by watching which keys you use
• Never leave your computer while you are still logged on. However, if you do, we will automatically log you off after 15 minutes of inactivity

Logging out

• Always log out of the Account Centre when you have finished your online session and close your browser window
• Always log out before you close down the browser, before you use another application or if you are leaving your desk

Once you have exited the Account Centre, you should always clear out your cache - the place where your browser stores the web pages you have visited during your session. Even better, some browsers will let you prevent any encrypted pages being stored at all. If yours offers this function, use it.

It's easy to clear out the cache in any browser. If you don't know how to do it, see the 'help' section in your browser.

The text size on your internet browser needs to be reset. To do this select 'View' from the top menu bar. Select 'text size' and then select a larger font size to suit you.

If you experience any problems accessing the Account Centre from work, it could be that your company has set up a corporate firewall. Firewalls are usually in place to meet the company's security policy. In most cases, this means websites can be accessed just as you would at home, although sometimes they are set to reject any encrypted messages. So if you are experiencing difficulties logging into the Account Centre, you should consult your Network Administrator who may be able to make special arrangements for you.

As many software companies are quick to fix any browser security problems before they can be exploited by a third party, it's well worth keeping up with the latest security patches they issue. You can find them at:

Internet Explorer - www.microsoft.com/technet/security
Netscape Navigator - home.netscape.com/security

If you have an earlier version of a browser, it's easy to download an updated version.

For Internet Explorer: Click on the free Downloads link on the Microsoft site at: www.microsoft.com/ie

For Netscape Navigator: Click on the free Downloads link on the Netscape site at: www.netscape.com/computing/download

A modem translates computer signals into phone signals meaning computers can communicate with each other via a telephone line. The faster your modem the faster your Internet connection

A cookie is a piece of information sent to your PC when you access a website. When you return to that site it recognises your user name. Cookies are generally used so that websites can identify which page they should send to the user next. If you find the web page keeps going back to the same page, you should ensure that cookies are accepted by your browser.

For Internet Explorer 5:
Select 'Tools', followed by 'Internet options'. You will then need to click on the 'Security tab'. Click on 'Internet zone' and then select 'Custom Level'. Under 'Allow cookies that are stored on your computer' select Enable option. Under 'Accept per session cookies' select Enable option.

For Netscape Navigator:
At the toolbar, select 'Edit', followed by 'Preferences'. Select 'Advanced', the 'Accept all cookies'.

Speed can be affected by the age/speed of your PC or modem, type of line used and the amount of 'traffic' on the internet as a whole.