Absa Bank has decided to make free software available to its internet banking clients to protect them against online threats.
According to a recent Trend Micro study, more than one-third of home-computer users with antivirus protection believe they have been the victim of a malicious attack on their computer, through spyware, a computer virus or spam.
The bank will provide the latest version of Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security Version 14 - worth R484.50 - to its more than 650 000 internet banking customers.
The software, which is in an automated, easy-to-use package, is designed to combat unpredictable, malicious threats like phishing, spyware, spam, hackers and computer viruses.
The software package includes advanced home network protection, such as greater parental controls, personal firewall capabilities, Wi Fi security against hackers, and centralised management to provide parents with greater assurance that their home computing environment's security is up to date and their families are safe when they are online.
The findings validate the need for users to install more comprehensive multi-threat protection at home.
Christo Vrey, the general manager of Digital Channel Services at Absa, says working, playing, and doing business online have become a part of our lives.
Absa internet banking customers can register for the required serial number on the Absa website and download the software or get the CDs from August 15 from any of Absa's 740 branches countrywide.