Protect yourself online

Your personal details are the key to your online accounts. Keep them safe and keep your accounts secure.

Do

• Use the 'log out' button when you've finished.
• Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters as well as numbers in your password.
• Use trusted PCs only - be extra careful if using public computers,
• Think about if your wireless or mobile device is safe for storing your personal details.
• Check your accounts regularly.
• Report any suspicious transactions to us.

Don't

• Tell anyone your password and security details.
• Leave your PC unattended and unlocked when you're logged in.
• Open emails if you don't recognise the sender.
• Respond to emails asking for your password, even if they appear to be from Sun Trust Group - forward any suspicious emails to [email protected].

Keep your computer's security up to date and stay safe from Trojans, viruses and other online risks.

Opertating System & Browser

Keep your operating system and browser up to date; newer versions have higher levels of internal security.

Anti-Virus Software

Keep your anti-virus software up to date, as new viruses can appear daily. Choose software that combines anti-virus software, firewall and anti-spyware software. Here are the most popular providers for you to consider:

• Zone Alarm 
• Norton Internet Security 
• McAfee Internet Security Suite 
• Clear your browser cache regularly
• Get the latest Windows security patch 

We use the latest security measures available to keep your money and personal information safe when you're banking with us online.

Our online servicing system includes:

• Secure sign in
Only gives you access once you've entered your username, password and the answer to one of the memorable questions you set up when you registered.

• Secured Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates
Your proof that we are who we say we are and that your information is encrypted to prevent others from reading it. (Look for the yellow padlock at the bottom of your browser.)

• Firewall protection
Prevents unauthorised access from third parties and safeguards your account information in our systems.

• Time-out facility
Automatically logs you out after 10 minutes of inactivity. Dedicated security team Monitors the service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If there is any suspicious activity we are the first to know.

Online fraud guarantee

If you're a victim of online fraud do not worry we have an on-line fraud guarantee and where appropriate you will be reimbursed in full.

Sun Trust Group Secure

Sun Trust Group Secure is a free service provided by Sun Trust Group Finance and certified by MasterCard® International, offering more secure Internet shopping, using your preferred form of Internet payment – your Sun Trust Group Finance credit card. The service will assess each transaction and either verify it automatically or, in some cases, ask you for some further information to help us verify the payment. The Sun Trust Group Secure service only applies to online purchases at participating retailers.

You will sometimes see the Sun Trust Group Secure service being called MasterCard® SecureCode either online or in other communications, however these names all apply to the same service which protects your cards online.

Log in to Online Banking to download SecureAnywhere ID Shield for free

To ensure that you and your information are kept as secure as possible when you use the internet, Sun Trust Group have asked Webroot to offer registered online servicing customers SecureAnywhere ID Shield software free of charge. Webroot SecureAnywhere is a multi-award winning Antivirus and will stop malware your existing antivirus could miss.

Important Note: Infection clean-up requires purchase.  In case of any issues or questions please raise a Webroot support ticket 

Anti-virus software will protect your PC from viruses and malware, but doesn’t protect your personal information, like passwords, credit card and bank account details, when you use the internet. SafeOnline will protect these details on all websites, giving you added protection on top of any anti-virus software you have. SafeOnline protects these details in the following ways:

• It helps to ensure the websites you visit are genuine and makes sure they're not phishing websites.
• It can help to ensure the log in information you enter is meant for the website you're entering it into.
• It helps protect your personal information, even when there's malicious software running on your computer.

Webroot SecureAnywhere ID Shield takes only seconds to install and will protect you immediately. You don’t need to set anything up, and it is compatible with all leading PC security software.

By downloading and installing Webroot SecureAnywhere ID Shield you agree with Webroot's terms and conditions. Sun Trust Group is not responsible for, nor do they guarantee, the content or services associated with this product. All queries regarding Webroot SecureAnywhere ID Shield should be directed to Webroot Support .

For information on Sun Trust Group Secure, use the links below to go to specific topics, or scroll down the page to review the full list of commonly asked questions and answers.

What is Sun Trust Group Secure?

Sun Trust Group Secure is a free service provided by Sun Trust Group and certified by MasterCard® International, offering more secure Internet shopping, using your preferred form of Internet payment – your Sun Trust Group credit card. The service will assess each transaction and either verify it automatically or, in some cases, ask you for some further information to help us verify the payment. The Sun Trust Group Secure service only applies to online purchases at participating retailers.

You will sometimes see the Sun Trust Group Secure service being called MasterCard® SecureCode either online or in other communications, however these names all apply to the same service which protects your cards online.

What are the benefits?

You'll be able to shop online safely, using any computer, anytime, anywhere. Sun Trust Group Secure gives you extra protection when you use your card online.

How does it work?

When you make a purchase online, Sun Trust Group Secure issues a receipt to the retailer at the end of the checkout process. The receipt includes details of your current purchase, such as site name, purchase amount and date. You will get a "Processing…." Page after you have entered your payment details or, in some cases, you may be asked to provide further information to help us verify the payment.

How does Sun Trust Group Secure protect me?

With Sun Trust Group Secure your transaction is more secure as a security system is running behind the scenes to help prevent fraud.

Will I need to apply for a new card to use Sun Trust Group Secure?

No. All existing Sun Trust Group credit cards are enabled for purchasing using Sun Trust Group Secure.

When will my account be charged for Sun Trust Group Secure purchases?

There will be no change to your existing billing arrangements.

How many online retailers currently participate in the Sun Trust Group Secure service?

Many online retailers are already participating in the Sun Trust Group Secure service. As the service grows, more will be added.

How much does Sun Trust Group Secure cost?

Sun Trust Group Secure is a free service to Sun Trust Group customers.

What are the system requirements for Sun Trust Group Secure?

Sun Trust Group Secure requires the use of Windows Microsoft® Internet Explorer 5.5 and above, Windows Netscape® 7.2, Windows AOL ® 9, Windows Firefox® 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0, Opera® 9.5 and Macintosh Safari®.

Can I use Sun Trust Group Secure from any computer?

Yes. One of the great advantages of Sun Trust Group Secure is that you can use it from any computer connected to the web that has a compatible browser.

Can I set my computer to reject cookies?

Yes. Both Netscape and Internet Explorer provide the means to alert you when a cookie will be placed on your computer and give you the opportunity to accept all, some or none of them. We do not recommend disabling cookies on our website because doing so may limit the ways in which we can serve you online. We use cookies to enable our computers to recognise you and facilitate your use of the website.

Purchases using Sun Trust Group Secure

• What if I have software that eliminates pop-up boxes?
  Some software may not allow pop-ups. If you have this software installed you must disable it or change the settings to allow pop-ups for Sun Trust Group Secure to operate correctly.

• What should I do if I am purchasing online but the Sun Trust Group Secure summary box does not appear?
  It may be that the retailer does not use Sun Trust Group Secure yet but you will still be able to purchase at these retailers. Simply follow the retailer's normal checkout process.

Going somewhere nice? Your Sun Trust Group Credit Card is accepted around the world at retail outlets and cash machines, wherever you see the MasterCard, Visa or Maestro/Cirrus sign (depending which card type you have). You can use your card at more that 24.6 million locations worldwide.
If you do plan on using your card whilst you're away, please call and let us know. This will allow us to support the use of your card whilst overseas. We can also help make sure you get the most from your card when travelling.

Tips for using your card safely

As well as letting your card provider know before you leave, follow these important steps for safe credit card use abroad:

• Firstly, if you have any issues using your card abroad there is usually a specific overseas telephone number for your card issuer on the back of the card.
• Only take cards with you that you intend to use; leave others at home in a secure place.
• Make sure you have details of your card number and your card company's 24-hour contact number and report any lost or stolen cards as soon as possible.
• Make sure your card company has up-to-date contact details for you, including your mobile number.
• When overseas, don't let your card out of your sight - especially when making purchases in bars or restaurants.
• Never hand your PIN to anyone, even if they claim to be from the police or your card company.
• Shield your PIN when typing into a keypad either in a shop or cash machine.
• When you return home, check your card statement for any unfamiliar transactions, and report them as soon as possible.

Please note

• You cannot unlock or change your PIN using a cash machine abroad.
• You will be charged a fee of 2.75% for using your credit card abroad (unless you are a Sun Trust Group Gold Credit Card customer).

Any payment you make abroad will be converted into Sterling at the exchange rate determined by Visa International or Mastercard International depending on which card you have.