Discover what the Secure Key does and how to get started.
HSBC Secure Key, as the name suggests, is like a front door key for your HSBC online banking. It is roughly half the size of a credit card and looks a bit like a calculator. It uses advanced technology to give you a unique passcode every time you log on.
Throughout history, people have always found ingenious ways to protect what's important to them. It's the same online. The HSBC Secure Key is designed to make sure only you can access your personal information.
- Fraud protection - With Secure Key you have an extra layer of protection. You need your PIN number AND your personal Secure Key device to log on.
- Peace of mind - Secure Key gives you greater peace of mind because you have this extra layer of security.
- Easy to use - Just switch it on, enter your Secure Key PIN code and it'll give you a unique, one-off six digit passcode each time you log on. It's as simple as that.
- Small and portable - It's about the same size as a credit card so it should easily fit in a wallet or purse. You can take it with you and log on to online banking anywhere you choose.
Two-factor authentication
The Secure Key is a two-factor authentication device that will help protect you from online banking fraud. Devices like these are commonly being used for secure transactions all round the world. With this technology you can enjoy far more secure online banking services.
Two-factor authentication, means you not only need a password or PIN, but you also need a device unique to you, like the Secure Key.
Much more secure
The code you need to input online is displayed on the device and therefore seen only by you. Online fraudsters can not steal something you physically have. This extra layer is something unique for each user.
Protection for transactions
All online banking transactions (such as fund transfers to non-designated accounts) need to be authenticated by a device held only by you. This means that even if a third party manages to get your log on details, they still won't be able to fraudulently carry out transactions without your secure key device.
You will be able to access online banking without the Secure Key with limited service only. To maintain security your Secure Key must be used when updating your personal information or if you wish to make payments.
I have not received my Secure Key
If you haven't got an HSBC Expat Secure Key, simply call us and we'll arrange for one to be sent to you. It will take approximately five working days to arrive to a UK address, overseas will take longer. If you do not receive it by then, please contact us again.
If you haven't got an HSBC Expat Secure Key, simply call us and we'll send one to you. Depending on the country you live in, it may take up to 14 days to reach you. If you do not receive it by then, please contact us again.
You'll need to activate your Secure Key beforeyou use it for the first time.
Log on to online banking like you normally would, and you willbe prompted to activate your device.
- Enter the activation code we sent you. If you don't have it, you can request a new one onscreen
- Enter the serial number on the back of your security device
- Follow the onscreen instructions to create a PIN and generate your first security code
You have 60 days to activate your Secure Key. Please contact us on +44 1534 616 171 if you're having problems.
To maintain the security and integrity of the system, only one Secure Key can be activated and linked to each customer. The Secure Key has been designed so that it is small enough to carry in a wallet or purse with your cards or attached to a key ring.
Should you need access to your accounts and do not have your Secure Key with you a limited service will be available or our telephone banking teams will be more than happy to assist you. Once identified, they are able to assist you with any enquiries you have about your account or make payments on your behalf.
No. Once you activate your Secure Key, it's uniquely linked to you.
Yes, each HSBC secure key is unique to each HSBC entity. If you do have multiple HSBC relationships then you may require additional secure keys. This is because HSBC Expat takes the security of its internet customers very seriously. We are constantly evolving how we keep you protected and Secure Key is the latest of these innovations. In the face of increasingly sophisticated online threats, it gives valuable added protection.
As an expert in online banking security and technology, I've delved deep into the intricacies of various authentication methods and fraud prevention mechanisms. The HSBC Secure Key is a prime example of cutting-edge technology employed to safeguard online banking transactions, providing users with a robust two-factor authentication system.
The Secure Key, resembling a compact calculator and about half the size of a credit card, utilizes advanced technology to generate a unique six-digit passcode each time a user logs onto their HSBC online banking account. This passcode acts as an extra layer of security, ensuring that only the authorized user can access their personal information. The device requires both a PIN number and the physical Secure Key to log in, providing an added level of protection against unauthorized access.
Two-factor authentication is a key concept here. It means that, in addition to the traditional password or PIN, users need a secondary device—in this case, the Secure Key—to complete the authentication process. This approach significantly enhances the security of online banking services, making it more resistant to fraudulent activities.
The Secure Key's compact size makes it portable, fitting easily into a wallet or purse, allowing users to carry it with them and log in to online banking from any location. This convenience is coupled with a crucial security feature—the passcode is displayed on the device and seen only by the user, making it nearly impossible for online fraudsters to steal this information remotely.
The device plays a pivotal role in protecting transactions. All online banking transactions, including fund transfers to non-designated accounts, require authentication by the unique Secure Key held only by the account owner. Even if someone manages to obtain login details, they cannot carry out fraudulent transactions without the physical device.
In case users haven't received their Secure Key, the article provides clear instructions on how to request one and the activation process. It emphasizes the time-sensitive nature of activation, offering a window of 60 days to complete the process. The one-to-one linkage of each Secure Key to a specific user ensures a high level of security, and the article addresses the potential need for multiple keys for users with multiple HSBC relationships.
In summary, the HSBC Secure Key is a sophisticated tool designed to fortify online banking security through two-factor authentication. Its small, portable design and unique passcode generation contribute to a robust defense against online threats, providing HSBC customers with peace of mind and confidence in the security of their personal information and transactions.
