Keeping your account safe online
We take the online security of our Members very seriously. This section explains how we protect you and your money online. It’s also important that you protect yourself whilst online and to help you do so we’ve provided some useful tips.
Ways we protect you
Our systems
Our systems are regularly tested by security experts on multiple levels. The padlock icon next to our website name means the site is secured with a digital certificate, so you can be sure that information you enter or view on the site is secure and no one else can access your information.
Note: The padlock may be displayed differently against different browsers
Online registration
We send your registration letter with your registration code to your home address, there is no other way to get your unique code. This letter will detail how to register to use Progressive Online.
Two-factor authentication
When logging in you will be prompted to choose a second way by which we can ask you to authenticate yourself. This means we know it’s definitely you accessing your account. This is known as two factor authentication. You can either choose to use an authenticator app or to receive a numeric code by SMS text message which you then enter as an extra security step
Communicating with you
We’ll send all important messages about your account through Progressive Online. If you receive an email or SMS text message it will direct you to login to Progressive Online to read the message.
Where we are concerned about a payment being made on your account, we may contact you either by text message or phone to alert you to any suspicions we have. If we do contact you and you want to check it is genuine, you can always hang up and call us back on the Online Savings Support number
We will NEVER send you an email or SMS text message requesting personal details, security codes, passwords, requesting that you make changes to your online account or that you transfer money for security purposes.
Never transfer money from your account, either online or in branch, after being instructed to do so, even if that person claims to work for Progressive or the police. If you have suspicions always contact us and we will confirm if it’s genuine.
Ways you can protect yourself
Install updates
It’s important that you promptly install any updates when asked to do so by your computer, tablet or phone.
Antivirus
Ensure your antivirus is working, its subscription is current and that it is kept up to date. The Windows Security app will tell you if your antivirus is working correctly. The built version of Antivirus in Windows 10 and 11 is good enough if it is up to date.
Use a supported Version of Windows
Windows 7 was discontinued in January 2020 and Windows 8.1 was discontinued in January 2023, making both no longer safe to use online. Windows 10 and 11 are the only supported versions. If you have a genuine license and suitable hardware you can still upgrade to Windows 10 for free.
Web Browsers
Internet explorer was retired in June 2022. To access our services please use a modern, alternative web browser such as Edge, Chrome or Firefox. If you choose Chrome or Firefox, ensure you install updates when prompted. If your web browser is misbehaving e.g. popping up unexpected windows or opening the wrong web pages then do not use it to log into the society web sites (or any other banking services).
Securing your mobile devices
It’s important that you install latest system software for your mobile device and ensure that all apps are kept up to date. Google Chrome and Apple Safari are updated regularly to fix security holes so it's important to apply these updates when they become available.
If you use an Android device, please consider using antivirus software and apps should only be installed using the Google Play store.
Password Security
Never reuse the same password between services and choose a strong password that will not be easily guessed.
The latest password advice from the experts is that longer is better. The best passwords are phrases made from three or more unrelated words joined together, each word starting with a capital letter and with a number and symbol on the end.
There are some very good password managers available and allowing your web browser to save passwords will allow you to use long unique passwords for every service or web site you use.
Accessing your account
When logged into your account, if stepping away from your computer, it’s good practice to get into the habit of logging out straight away.
You shouldn’t use a public computer to access your accounts online as it may not have antivirus software installed.