HSBC Expat | How We Protect You

You choose your own log on details when you register for Internet Banking - which makes them unique, secure and easy to remember. Each time you log on, you'll be asked for your username, the answer to a memorable question and a unique code your personal Secure Key will generate.

If you forget your Secure Key, don't worry, you can use your password to log on. And instead of using your keyboard, you can enter it using your mouse on an on-screen keyboard to prevent malicious software on that computer from recording what you type. We also use an automatic time-out feature that ends your Internet Banking session if you forget to log out - so your details aren't left on your computer.

Rapport software from the security experts Trusteer safeguards your HSBC Expat Internet Banking service by:

• Locking down the connection between your internet browser and HSBC
• Checking that you've accessed a genuine HSBC web site. If you haven't, then it stops your data going to a counterfeit web site

Rapport can be downloaded for free on to PCs and Macs.

As the name suggests, this device is like a front door key for your HSBC Internet 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 and make a transfer or payment.

Throughout history, people have always looked for ingenious ways to protect their treasure. It's the same online. We take online security very seriously. HSBC Secure Key is another way to protect your personal treasure.

When you manage your HSBC Expat accounts online, advanced encryption software stops anyone accessing your information when it passes between your computer and our secure systems. You know you're in a secure, encrypted area when you see https in the web address - and the locked padlock symbol in your browser status bar at the bottom of the page.

There are two types of firewall. A personal firewall protects your computer from hackers and viruses. Network firewalls protect private networks - and let you control who can access them.

At HSBC Expat we use network firewalls to protect your personal information and account details. To protect your computer, you should activate the firewall in your operating system - or install a separate firewall if your system doesn't have one.

Digital certificates are ID cards for web pages. They contain a company's name, a unique serial number and a digital signature - so you can check that the page you're viewing is legitimate.

HSBC Expat's Extended Validation digital certificate turns the address bar in your browser green. To read the details, double click on the locked padlock symbol in your browser status bar at the bottom of the page - or on the green address bar at the top.

We take a number of preventive measures to protect you against card fraud.

• If your card is lost or stolen, at home or overseas, we'll cancel it immediately and issue a replacement.
• Our advanced fraud detection system monitors your account for any unusual activity.
• Chip & PIN technology (where available), stops your card details being copied and prevents anyone using your card without your 4-digit PIN.
• A special Secure System for American Express cards makes transactions more secure and reduces the risk of fraud.

We've teamed up with McAfee® to offer our Internet Banking customers the ability to download 12 months essential PC protection for free.

McAfee VirusScan® Plus combines anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall and web site safety rating technology and enables fast updates and high levels of detection against malicious threats.