Online security
Our security
Your online security is our first priority and we make every effort to secure our website and any personal information that we collect.
Watch out for fraudulent or 'phishing' emails
- Always be wary of emails asking for personal or security details. NS&I will never ask you to disclose or confirm, sensitive personal or security information, including your PIN or password, by email.
- For more information, read about 'phishing' emails here.
How secure is our website?
We use many layers of security – we cannot disclose all of them, but they include:
- We only allow access to our website through secured networks designed to prevent unauthorised activity
- All our computers are immediately updated with the latest security patches and anti-virus software
- Personal information is only held on protected systems that have no direct public access
How do I know that transactions over the internet are safe?
Your personal information is encrypted to ensure no one else can read it before it leaves your computer. This is done using 128 bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificates issued by a recognised security vendor, Verisign. Some older Internet browsers can’t recognise 128 bit SSL certificates - to check, visit the Verisign website at:
Look for the following signs that SSL is being used:
- The security icon (the locked padlock or unbroken key symbol) is shown in your lower right hand corner of your browser window
- The beginning of the website address changes from ‘http’ to ‘https’
- Depending on your browser setting, a pop-up window may appear to notify you when you enter or leave a secure page.
Cookies
This site uses both permanent and session cookies. Please see our privacy policy for an explanation of our use of cookies:
Your security
Your computer contains valuable personal or security details. It is important that you protect your PC and the information it may hold.
What you can do to protect yourself
- Use a computer that you know is secure. Be particularly wary of making a transaction using internet cafes, public or shared computers.
- Protect your own computer – install up-to-date anti-virus software and a firewall. It is essential to regularly download updates from the supplier of the software. Failure to do so may leave your PC vulnerable.
- Keep your web browser up to date. From time to time vulnerabilities are discovered in web browsers; however these can be eliminated by regularly downloading security updates.
- Print out as a record the confirmation page of any transaction you make. The transaction details will help us if you subsequently have any difficulties.
- Keep PINs, passwords and personal information safe. Never send sensitive information by email. For more helpful information about passwords, click here.
More information
Get Safe Online - sponsored by the government and leading businesses, Get Safe Online offers expert advice to help you protect yourself against internet threats.
Bank Safe Online - created by the Association for Payment Clearing Services (APACS), of which NS&I is a member, to give more information about online banking and security.
Identity Theft - developed by APACS and the Home Office Identity Fraud Steering Committee, this website gives practical advice on how to avoid becoming an ID theft victim, and what to do if you become a victim.
Queries and feedback
If you have any other questions or feedback about security or how we protect your data, please contact us.
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