RBC Royal Bank is providing a new level of security and privacy to banking customers who use the Internet at home, by offering Zero-Knowledge Systems’ award-winning Freedom services. The package, which includes a variety of security and privacy controls, will be available free for one year.

“Connecting to the Internet without a firewall or up-to-date anti-virus protection is like having a house without locks or smoke detectors,” said Peter Cullen, corporate privacy officer, RBC Financial Group. “We’re providing RBC Royal Bank customers with access to Zero-Knowledge’s Freedom services because it’s one way we can help our customers feel more comfortable using technology for their everyday needs.”

The software provides users with greater security and privacy for different aspects of the Internet. By making it available to its customers, RBC will give users who have come to trust the privacy and security of banking online with RBC, additional reassurance for their other online experiences.

The software protects PC users from hackers and intruders, blocks ads, prevents personal or identifying information from leaving a PC, speeds up and secures online registrations and transactions, and prevents Web sites from tracking a user’s whereabouts.

RBC customers who want to take advantage of this offer can access information and download the software from www.rbcroyalbank.com/freedom.

After one year, customers who want to continue using the personal firewall will be able to do so at a special reduced price. Customers can also subscribe to additional premium services for an additional fee, including anti-virus protection and parental controls.