How online banking can be safe and secure

These days, everyone has got a mobile phone, 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 digital banking solutions increases, it's important to take proactive steps to protect yourself against online fraud and cyber crimes. Let's take a look at 9 ways you can incorporate digital security into your daily life and ensure you stay safe online:

1. Keep your personal information and data updated by letting us know anytime there is a change to them. This helps ensure we've got your latest contact details to inform you when there is a transaction done from your account or card, especially if a fraudster has used your credit card information to make illegal purchases. Taking action fast will prevent you from winding up with a massive bill of things you never bought.
   
   And did you know that with online banking, you're able to set up SMS notifications or update your personal particulars and passwords? It's super fast and easy - this essential step acts as a really important safeguard for your wealth and digital security.
2. Make sure your anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software is updated regularly and that you're using the newest versions at all times.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. If you use biometrics to access any mobile banking apps, avoid registering someone else's facial or fingerprint recognition on your devices.
8. Go paperless with online banking statements. This removes the chore of having to store your paper statements securely and shred them before you throw them out. Opting for eStatements that are viewed from your online banking portal will make it much harder for scammers to steal your identity, unlike with paper statements.
9. 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.

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 from online banking security risks, we use several industry-level security measures that enable you to log on using methods like your PIN-protected Security Device.
• 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.

No time like the present to update your personal particulars and passwords with online banking in just 2 easy steps.

Step 1: Log on to online banking

Step 2: Select 'personal details' to update