Your Responsibility

At HSBC, the security of your information is paramount. Our systems and security procedures are designed to keep your personal and financial data confidential at all times. You also have a significant role to play and should adopt the following practices to help keep your personal and financial information protected from unauthorized use:

• Keep Your Internet Banking Session Secure:
• Adopt Best Practices Online:
• Protect Your Computer:

Keep Your Internet Banking Session Secure:

• Your Log-In Information
  Your Internet Banking Log-In information (your Username) is your access to your accounts online. Keep your Log-In information confidential. Your Username should be something you can easily remember but not easily guessed by someone else. Avoid using family names, birth dates, telephone numbers or words that could easily be guessed. Longer Usernames are more secure and more difficult to guess, and we suggest you mix letters and numbers to provide additional complexity.
• Your Password
  Your Password and the new Bill Pay Security Key are the keys to your online account information. Protect them and change your Passwords on a regular basis - every 60 days. Create a Password that is unique to you and that cannot be easily guessed by someone else. Use a combination of both letters and numbers. (longer passwords are more secure). Do not associate your Password with anything personal such as names, birth dates, telephone numbers, or other familiar words. Memorize your Password and Bill Pay Security Key and never write it down or reveal it to anyone. Note: No one at HSBC will ever ask you for your password.
• Log-off and Browser
  Always remember to Log-Off Internet Banking and close your browser when you have finished conducting online transactions or visiting secure Web sites. This will help prevent others from being able to view your online banking information at a later time. If you suspect any unusual account activity, contact us immediately at 1-800-975-HSBC (1-800-975-4722).

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Adopt Best Practices Online:

• Do not share your Internet Banking Username and Password with anyone.
• Be aware that there are many Internet "phishing" scams that forge or "spoof" other reputable sites and are designed to lure you into providing personal and financial information for identity theft purposes. Only provide information that you initiate through an application, an online transaction or through the normal Log-in/Sign-Up process. Read more about phishing and spoofing schemes in the Fraud and Online Security section and visit the Alerts! section to review actual fraudulent email that has been reported.

  HSBC will never ask you for your Password in an email and you should contact us immediately at 1-800-975-HSBC (1-800-975-4722) if you receive suspicious email.

• If HSBC sends e-mail to your personal e-mail address, it will always include a personal or account identifier.
• Change your Password on a regular basis - at least every 60 days.
• Avoid accessing your online banking information at Internet or Cyber cafes, libraries or other public sites that have Internet access.
• Never input personal information on a web site form or application that does not display the https:// before a web site address or a "padlock" symbol in the lower right hand corner of the web page. These security symbols indicate that the site is secured by encryption technology and the information you enter is protected.
• Always "Log-off" Internet Banking first then close your browser after every online banking session by selecting the "x" in the upper right corner of your screen. Always shut down your computer when not in use.

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Protect Your Computer:

• Install Firewall software on your home and networked computers to prevent unauthorized individuals from gaining access to your computer system to use files, obtain personal information or to destroy computer data. This is especially important on computers that use a broadband connection to access the Internet (Cable modems or DSL). Since your Internet connection is on when your computer is on, the risk for malicious activity to your computer increases. Three popular sources for firewall software are Symantec, McAfee and Computer Associates®.
• Run an Anti-Virus program on your computer on a regular, frequent basis to prevent computer viruses or worms from entering your computer system. Purchase programs that automatically upgrade your virus protection on a regular basis.
• Don't share access to your computer with strangers. Disable the 'File and Printer Sharing' capabilities on your computer to prevent anyone on the Internet from browsing or deleting your computer files. Check your computer's User Guide for instructions specific to your setup, or go online to the manufacturer for instructions.
• Regularly check your computer manufacturer's (hardware/operating system) Web site for "patches" and "updates" to your system or browser to insure your computer system has the latest security upgrades installed.
• Learn about computer infections and be aware of the latest computer viruses , worms , Trojan Horses and other malicious programs designed to damage your computer or steal your personal information.
• Don't open e-mail or e-mail attachments from unknown sources. Scan e-mail through your anti-virus software first.

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