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Our Responsibility

The security of your personal information and your online banking transactions is of utmost importance to HSBC. We maintain strict security standards and procedures to prevent unauthorized access to your information:

The Security of Our Systems:

128-Bit SSL Encryption
HSBC requires full 128-bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Encryption for Personal Internet Banking use. 128-bit encryption provides the highest and most secure form of data security available on the Internet today. Encryption converts your data (i.e. when you apply for a loan or credit card at HSBC or when you use Internet Banking) into an encoded form before it's sent over the Internet. The encryption helps keep your information private between the bank's computer system and your Internet browser.

Internal Systems Encryption
HSBC employs multiple levels of encryption with multiple encryption algorithms on and between internal systems to ensure your data is kept secure and inaccessible to unauthorized users.

Firewalls
HSBC uses Firewalls to block potentially destructive information from entering our computer systems and prevent unauthorized access. Firewall software can be installed on company and home computers as a barrier against hackers and viruses.

Browser Requirement
HSBC supports browsers that use 128-bit encryption technology to provide you the highest level of commercially available security for your HSBC financial transactions. HSBC requires full 128-bit encryption for Personal Internet Banking use. The following are HSBC-supported browsers that offer this highest level of encryption:

To verify that your current browser supports 128-bit encryption:

  • Click the 'Help' tab located at the top of your current browser
  • Then choose 'About.'
  • Your browser version as well as the encryption level will be listed.

If you use an older browser that supports 128-bit encryption, you will need to upgrade to one of the HSBC-supported browsers listed above in order to use Personal Internet Banking.

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Keeping Your Online Sessions Secure:

Secured Sessions
Your HSBC Internet Banking session is protected in a "secured" environment through Secured Socket Layer (SSL) encryption. An e-mail feature within Internet Banking is also protected with encryption technology to keep your correspondence secure (unlike your regular e-mail, which is not secured). SSL technology is used within your Internet Banking session to encrypt your personal information before it leaves your computer to insure no one else can read it. Depending on your browser setting, a pop-up window will appear to notify you that you will be entering a secured page. You will know when you are on a secured HSBC page when you see the "https://" before the web address. A padlock symbol in the lower right hand corner of your browser window will also be present. A closed padlock indicates that your HSBC online session is in a "secured" environment.

Your Internet Banking Session

  • Username and Password Feature
    To make accessing your HSBC accounts safe and secure, we require that you create your Username and Password to Log-In to HSBC’s secured Internet Banking site. This information is then authenticated by HSBC’s system to verify who you are before providing account access.
  • Security Key - New!
    An additional Password called a "Security Key," is now required for use with the Personal Internet Banking Bill Pay service. The Security Key is in addition to your Internet Banking Username and Password and provides an extra level of protection if your primary password were to become compromised. You'll create your Security Key using your mouse and a mini-keyboard displayed on your Personal Internet Banking screen. The added Security Key will help prevent your password from being stolen by keylogging software, hackers or viruses.
  • Log-in Attempts
    For added security, we protect your online banking access by tracking the number of log-in attempts. After a number of incorrect Passwords attempts, we will immediately disable online access. You will then need to contact HSBC to re-establish access either by phone Personal Internet Banking or online Business Internet Banking.
  • Session Time-out
    For your protection, HSBC includes a Session Time-out feature for your online banking session. If your Internet Banking session remains idle for a given time, your session is ended automatically. This is done to protect your accounts from unauthorized access if your PC is left unattended or you have not logged-off your Internet Banking session.

Secure BankMail
To protect any private information you may send to us via e-mail, HSBC provides a secure BankMail feature within Internet Banking so that your correspondence and your information, remains between you and HSBC.

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