The banking industry has highlighted a policy that makes online banking customers responsible for losses if they have out of date anti-virus or anti-phishing protection. New Banking Codes for consumers and businesses took effect on Monday 31st March, 2008.

The code specifically says that: “If you act without reasonable care, and this causes losses, you may be responsible for them.”

Advice issued is to keep your PC secure by using up-to-date anti-virus and spyware software, a personal firewall and apply all security patches.

At the time of writing, the British Bankers’ Association said it was not aware of any bank ever invoking this part of the code, but with the current credit crunch don’t be suprised if banks become less forgiving when customers are not as responsible as they should be.

If you do bank online, do ensure that you are taking all necessary precautions. Some useful free software:

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