We see your security as fundamental to our service. We regularly review our systems and procedures to ensure maximum security is provided. Detailed below are some of the key security features we apply to our service and some simple measures you can do to stay safe online:

 

How we secure your account information

1.       We request you input your Username

2.       We request you input your Memorable Answer

3.       We request you input your Password using our virtual keyboard, which when combined with your Username is unique to you. So whenever you access the service, entering these details safeguards your information against being accessed by anybody else.

Inputting your Password on the HSBC Virtual Keyboard is secure. It moves slightly throughout the day to prevent criminals who may have loaded third-party software on your computer from logging your key strokes.

When you are not logged on, this message reads:

·         "Log on to Internet Banking" together with a red LOG ON button

When you are logged on, this message changes to:

·         "Welcome <Your First Name>, you are currently logged on to Internet Banking", together with a blue LOG OFF button

Please remember to log off Internet Banking by clicking the blue log off button, wherever you have finished using the service.

 

• Encryption and Decryption
  What is it? Encryption is the conversion of data into a form that people cannot read. Decryption is the reversal of that process.
  How does it help protect you? When you manage your HSBC account online, encryption software scrambles your information into an unreadable form every time you enter it. HSBC employs multiple levels of encryption with multiple encryption algorithms. The more complex the encryption algorithm, the more difficult it is for unauthorized individuals to decrypt it.
  Tips: Your session is in a secured "encrypted" environment when you see https:// in the web address, or when you see the locked padlock symbol at the bottom right corner of your browser window.
  Encryption/decryption is especially important in wireless communications because the wireless network is easier to exploit than a wired network. It doesn't take an IT expert to pick up a wireless signal. Almost anyone with a little knowledge can do it.
  
• Digital Certificate
  What is this? A digital certificate is an ID card for a web page. HSBC uses digital certificates to help you confirm that the HSBC web page you're viewing is legitimate. The certificate contains our name, an individual serial number and digital signature. In fact, the certificate we use meets the highest standards and is known as an ‘Extended Validation Certificate’, which turns the address bar on internet browsers ‘green’, on the latest versions.
  Why are they important? Digital certificates verify that the person or organization you are communicating with is who they claim to be. Digital certificates enable secure and confidential communication between HSBC and you.
  Tips: Double-click the ‘green’ address bar or the lock icon in the internet browser to read the digital certificate and check the sender's credentials.
  
• Firewalls
  Our systems are protected by sophisticated secure gateways, including 'firewalls' and monitoring devices, which will prevent other, unauthorised Internet users from accessing our computer system.
  
  By installing a personal firewall you will help to protect the information held on your system from any unauthorised access attempts.
  
  
• Time out facility
  Once you have logged on to Internet Banking, after ten minutes inactivity we will automatically end your session to help prevent unauthorised access.

HSBC Premier customers have an additional service in Internet Banking called ‘Global View’. Like the standard Internet Banking service, after ten minutes inactivity we will automatically end your session to help prevent unauthorised access.

 

What else you can do to maximize your online security

• Take extra care
  When using computers in a public place or at work, remember you cannot be sure that your information will remain confidential. Be aware that people may be looking over your shoulder or observing what you are doing and never leave the computer unattended. Take any information that you have printed with you and always log off the service by clicking the blue LOG OFF button on the top right of the screen. We also recommend that you 'Bookmark' HSBC Internet Banking to avoid linking from pages you are unsure of while 'surfing' the internet.
  
  There are a number of other simple steps you can take to improve your security, these include:

• Assess your risk
  Who has access to your computer? Do you regularly receive or send emails with attachments? Do you download or swap free files, such as music, games, screensavers or desktop themes? Whilst none of these things are a security hazard in themselves, they can increase the risk of experiencing online security risks and highlight the need to use software to protect your computer. Avoid doing so where necessary.

• Use strong security
  The more characters you have in your Username or Password the better. We recommend a minimum of eight.

Don't use a PIN/Password that is easy to guess, e.g. a partner's date of birth.

1) You will not be allowed to use repetition (e.g., 222222).

2) Don't write your log on details down, e.g. Username, Memorable Answer, Password, or store them on an electronic device, such as a mobile phone, computer or PDA.

3) Don't tell your log on details to anyone, even bank staff. Bank staff will NEVER ask for your Memorable Answer or Password.

4) Don't let anyone see you entering your log on details.

The key is to remember to keep your log on details safe at all times. If for any reason you suspect that someone else knows your Memorable Answer or Password you can change them via Internet Banking or contact our call center (+44 1534 616000) immediately and they will assist you.

 

What you can do to stay safe online

To help maintain the highest levels of security, we also recommend you use the following:

• Install anti-virus software
  By installing anti-virus software and making sure that it is running at all times, you will help to protect your system from known viruses aimed at compromising your PC which can be sent via attachments within emails or by portable storage devices such as disc, USB, CD-Rom, memory cards, etc. This is a vital piece of software to have and to use. Also it's important to keep this software up-to-date to protect against more recent viruses. You can usually do this by accessing downloads from your anti-virus software supplier.
  
  Using anti-virus software will reduce the chances of people being able to fraudulently capture your Username, Memorable Answer or Password, or being able to access your computer whilst you are logged on to Internet Banking.
  
  Tip: Get Free McAfee Security
  HSBC has teamed up with one of the best-known security brands in order to offer all of its Internet Banking customers free McAfee® Security VirusScan Plus software for their PC, providing a saving of £39.99. Find out more about this offer
  
  
• Download the latest security updates and patches
  A software patch is an update to your browser or operating system from the software provider that helps to protect your computer from the latest viruses. Usually you'll be prompted to download these directly and it is worth remembering to do this so that you enjoy the most up to date protection.
  
  To find out more information and to download the latest software fixes for Windows and Internet Explorer, we recommend you visit Microsoft Security.
  

Our online security promise

We have an Online Security Promise we make to you if you are affected by online crime. Click here to view it.

 

 

More online security information/advice

• Discover more security information and advice by visiting the HSBC Group Security Centre. This website has tips and gives you golden rules to staying safe online, plus it explains online jargon, such as what ‘Phishing’ is and other online fraud. It also gives you more resources too.
  
  www.hsbc.com/1/2/online-security

 

• Visit Get Safe Online - it's as easy as ABC with their ten-minute internet safety guide. The website is sponsored by the British government and leading businesses to give you free, objective advice.
  
  www.getsafeonline.org