How we protect you

From 24/7 account monitoring to encryption and password protection, we do everything we can to prevent online fraud and keep your personal information and your money safe.

Security guarantee

Our Internet Banking guarantee gives you 100% cover for unauthorised or fraudulent payments and transfers from your HSBC Bank International account. So you won’t be held liable for any transactions you haven’t authorised. You’ll also be reimbursed for the full amount if anyone uses your HSBC credit or debit card details to pay for anything online*.

If you suspect you’ve been a victim of fraud you should report it immediately.

* Subject to terms and conditions

Global security network

To protect your account, we have a global network of security experts who work round the clock to identify threats and investigate suspicious activity. If we see something unusual that doesn’t fit your banking profile, we’ll try to stop the transaction being completed – and contact you to check if it’s valid.

If we discover someone has used your account to make unauthorised payments or transfers, we’ll take steps to limit the amount they take – minimising the impact on you. These steps include blocking transactions, suspending your account temporarily or closing your account and opening a new one.

Security technology

We use the most advanced security systems and software to protect your account from unauthorised use.

Log on security

You choose your own log on details when you register for Internet Banking – which makes them unique, secure and easy to remember. Each time you log on, you’ll be asked for your username, password and the answer to a memorable question.

Instead of using your keyboard, you use your mouse to enter your details on an on-screen keyboard. Using the on-screen keyboard prevents anyone recording or storing the information you type.

We also use an automatic time-out feature that ends your Internet Banking session if you forget to log out – so your details aren’t left on your computer.
Encryption

When you manage your HSBC Bank International accounts online, advanced encryption software stops anyone accessing your information when it passes between your computer and our secure systems. You know you’re in a secure, encrypted area when you see https in the web address – and the locked padlock symbol in your browser status bar at the bottom of the page.

Encryption is particularly important when you’re using a wireless device like a laptop, mobile phone or BlackBerry® because wireless networks are a lot easier to tap into.
Firewalls

There are two types of firewall. A personal firewall protects your computer from hackers and viruses. Network firewalls protect private networks – and let you control who can access them.

At HSBC Bank International we use network firewalls to protect your personal information and account details. To protect your computer, you should activate the firewall in your operating system – or install a separate firewall if your system doesn’t have one.
Digital certificates

Digital certificates are ID cards for web pages. They contain a company’s name, a unique serial number and a digital signature – so you can check that the page you’re viewing is legitimate.

HSBC Bank International’s Extended Validation digital certificate turns the address bar in your browser green. To read the details, double click on the locked padlock symbol in your browser status bar at the bottom of the page – or on the green address bar at the top.
Card fraud protection
We take a number of preventive measures to protect you against card fraud.
- If your card is lost or stolen, at home or overseas, we’ll cancel it immediately and issue a replacement.
- Our advanced fraud detection system monitors your account for any unusual activity.
- Chip & PIN technology (where available), stops your card details being copied and prevents anyone using your card without your 4-digit PIN.
- A special Secure System for American Express cards makes transactions more secure and reduces the risk of fraud.

Internet security