Bank of Nova Scotia and computer security firm McAfee Inc. today announced a partnership to offer Scotia Online users a generous discount on McAfee’s anti-virus and firewall software.

“This partnership is a result of Scotiabank’s ongoing effort to provide customers with the most effective and up-to-date computer protection available,” said Sharon Hodder, vp, Internet Services, Scotiabank, in a release. “This rebate further enables Scotia Online customers to take the necessary steps to protect their privacy and security as recommended by our safe computing practices.”

Scotia Online customers can purchase either McAfee’s VirusScan or Personal Firewall Plus separately or both products as part of the McAfee Web Essentials package. All choices are offered at a discount for one-year subscriptions including automatic updates to the software during the subscription period.

To take advantage of the discount and access the software, customers simply logon to the Scotia Online service and follow the links to “Special Security Offers”, which can be found in the “Profile and Preferences” section.

A French version of the two programs will be available to customers in late July.