Bank of Valletta has launched 'BOV Protect' a service that is backed by a software package being offered to customers free of charge.

BOV Protect provides an added layer of internet security on the customer's personal computer.

"Whilst the Bank's systems are secured by a state of-the-art security infrastructure, the personal computers that our customers use to conduct their internet banking transactions can be infected by malicious software (malware) designed to simulate situations which could lead to online banking fraud.

"By installing the BOV Protect service, our customers can protect their personal computers and keep them clean of financial malware, thus increasing security when online," Chief Officer Operations Michael Galea said.

BOV Protect was developed in collaboration with Trusteer, a market leader in financial security and provider of the Trusteer Rapport software. The software helps detect and neutralise financial malware on a personal computer.

The software can be downloaded and installed through Bank of Valletta's website www.bov.com .

Once installed, it does not require any particular maintenance or user intervention, but will alert the user if it detects high risk behaviour and/or financial malware on the PC.