Lloyds TSB tells customers to tighten security

Internet bank Lloyds TSB has warned that customers could become victims of phishing and identity theft scams unless they step-up IT security on home PCs.

More than half of PCs and laptops have been infected by computer viruses, according to research by the bank.

Lloyds TSB's survey of 1,400 people revealed that three-quarters of computer users are worried about virus threats, yet 10 per cent have never updated their anti-virus software.

'At Lloyds TSB, we use the highest levels of industry-standard security so customers can access their accounts online with the utmost confidence,' said Matthew Timms, internet banking director at Lloyds TSB.

'But while we are doing everything we can to make our security watertight, we also urge all of our customers to think carefully about the measures they have taken to protect their PC.'

Internet users should regularly update anti-virus software and install a robust firewall, he says.

Customers with lax security attitudes blamed cost and lack of education as the two main reasons they did not use or update anti-virus software.

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