How Secure Are You? - HSBC Emails Customers
On December 16th, I received the following email from HSBC, where I have an Online Savings account. HSBC has some of the most extensive online account security I’ve seen, so it’s not surprising that they’re willing to make periodic announcements about it. The email reads as follows:
How secure are you? How many times have you asked yourself this when it comes to internet banking? Well, your online security continues to be HSBC’s number one priority, and we pledge to continue our efforts to keep your online experience secure!
The dictionary defines secure as:
1. free from or not exposed to danger or harm; safe
2. dependable; firm; not liable to fail, yield, become displaced, etc.
3. affording safety, as a place
4. in safe custody or keeping
5. free from care; without anxiety
6. sure; certain; assured
7. safe from penetration or interception by unauthorized persons
As we strive to be the definition of secure, HSBC wants you to know that the security of your personal information and your online banking transactions is of utmost importance to us. We maintain strict security standards and procedures to prevent unauthorized access to your information.
The Security of Our System
* 128-Bit SSL Encryption-128-bit encryption provides the highest and most secure form of data security available on the Internet today.
* Internal Systems Encryption-multiple levels of encryption with multiple encryption algorithms on and between internal systems to ensure your data is kept secure
* Firewalls-block potentially destructive information from entering our computer systems and prevent unauthorized access
* Browser Requirement- HSBC supports browsers that use 128-bit encryption
o Click the ‘Help’ tab located at the top of your current browser
o Then choose ‘About.’
o Your browser version as well as the encryption level will be listed.
We’re keeping your online sessions secure:
* Recently, we’ve partnered with VeriSign to incorporate new technology into our existing Personal Internet Banking security processes. The enhancement is the most recent next step we taken to protect your Internet Banking service. This additional layer of security provides the flexibility to keep your experience the same while simultaneously allowing monitoring capabilities and the ability to more quickly identify potential occurrences of fraud.
* Log-In and Password Feature - we require that you create your Customer ID or User Name 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!- in addition to your Internet Banking Customer ID and Password and provides an extra level of protection if your primary password were to become compromised
* Security Token – (Business Internet Banking) This device generates a series of dynamic Security Codes unique to your account. These codes, in conjunction with your Username and Password, help ensure the security of your online information
* 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 - If your Internet Banking session remains idle for a given time, your session is ended automatically.
Remember…
Being the definition of secure by keeping your banking and financial information safe is of paramount importance. HSBC pledges to continue its efforts to maintain the highest level of online security for its customers.
You also play a critical role in keeping your personal information protected. Please review each section of HSBC’s Security Site, and become familiar with the measures HSBC takes to protect your online information, and view the steps you can take to help secure your online experience.
