Online banking: safe, secure, stable
These days, everyone's got a smartphone, but it's more than just a gadget for calls, texts or getting online. You can use your mobile phone to manage your credit cards and bank accounts, purchase stocks, shop online and make travel bookings, all while you're on the go.
As your digital footprint grows and your reliance on online transactions increases, it's important to learn how to be proactive in protecting yourself online. Here are 8 ways you can incorporate digital security into your daily life and ward against online fraud and cyber crimes:
- Make sure your anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software is updated regularly and that you're using the newest versions at all times.
- Only download apps from official sites such as the App Store or Google Play, and be wary of any app that requests excessive or unnecessary access to your device.
- Update your internet browser to the latest available version, no matter whether you're going online from your mobile phone, laptop, desktop computer or tablet.
- Select a strong password consisting of letters, numbers and symbols in a combination that's memorable to you, but difficult for strangers to crack. Also, don't forget to change your password regularly and never share your password with anyone.
- On the topic of passwords, pick a password used solely for your online banking activities and HSBC mobile banking apps. Also, remember that HSBC will never ask you for your password. If someone contacts you claiming to be from HSBC and requests your password, ignore it and reach out to us immediately.
- Never allow your browser to remember your log in details, no matter how many seconds it saves you from having to re-enter them each time.
- If you use biometrics to access any mobile banking apps, avoid registering someone else's facial or fingerprint recognition on your devices.
- If you haven't gone paperless with online banking statements, be sure you store your paper statements securely and shred them before you throw them out. The last thing you'd want is for your statements to be used to steal your identity.
- Learn to spot and don't fall prey to phishing emails and sites that are commonly used by fraudsters to get you to reveal your bank details and passwords. Phishing emails could also contain malware attachments or links that could infect your online device and steal your personal data.
All in all, remember that the more you instill and carry out these digital safety practices as a part of your life, the more adept you'll be at spotting a fraud attempt or con trick, even from a mile away.
We do our part to protect you
On our end, HSBC takes online banking security very seriously. Here's how we're keeping you safe online.
- Bank-grade security: To protect your personal and financial data, we use several industry-level security measures that enable you to log on using methods like your PIN-protected Security Device or biometric authenticated Digital Secure Key.
- Strong data encryption: HSBC uses industry-level encryption, so all sensitive information such as credit card details will only be readable by the bank.
- Automatic 'time-out' feature: As a security measure, you'll automatically be logged out your online banking session after a certain period of inactivity.
- SMS notifications: We send SMS notifications for all inward and outbound account transactions. You can always call us once you get an SMS alert for a transaction you didn't carry out or if you spot suspicious transfers unfamiliar to you.