HSBC introducing 'digital' SecureKey's

gt94sss2

HSBC sent me an email informing me of an update in their T&C.

As part of some 'enhancements' mentioned it includes:

• The choice to use a new Digital Secure Key which will allow you to generate a security code using a mobile device that supports this functionality.

• Log in to a limited service when you don't use your Secure Key – you'll simply need to verify your identity by providing other security information we request.

I guess we will be offered the same options that First Direct customers are offered.

Regards
Sunil

Gromitt

gt94sss2 wrote: »

I guess we will be offered the same options that First Direct customers are offered.

We'll see, but I expect HSBC to be more paranoid and ask you further security questions before allowing you to see your balance rather than FD's "Use the information you used before secure key" and just restricting stuff you don't use regularly anyway (such as new payees and secure messaging).

spenderdave

Just received the flyer on this - I nearly put it straight in the recycling bin because it looked very like junk mail. I guess this will be good for those who live with their mobile but that doesn't interest me and I shall continue to use my normal secure key.
What is not clear in the instructions is that if you DO sign up for it whether the old key still works or whether you will have to login with the smartphone every time.

Graham1

This is what First Direct say, so very likely that HSBC will be the same:
Can I have a Secure Key as well as a Digital Secure Key? No. To maintain the security and integrity of the system, only one secure key type can be linked to each customer. If you choose one and change your mind, just call us on

pinkteapot

I switched yesterday. I'm yet to test logging in with the old key, but the information during sign-up implies it's phone only from now on. At the end it told me to return my key to HSBC for recycling.

Half wishing I hadn't switched. It takes longer to get a code from the app than it did from the key. The benefit of course is I didn't carry my key around with me and I can at least now log on wherever I am.

I'll try logging on with the key tonight and confirm whether switching means you can't use the key any more.

Archi_Bald

You can either use one or the other. Once you register for the digital key, the physical device doesn't work any longer.

I much prefer the app to the physical security device. In fact, most of the time I just use the app now instead of my PC to check my balances now. I only use HSBC for the 6% Regular Saver and the "Save Together" perk - literally all transactions I make are set up as SOs.

spenderdave

OK, thanks. Not having a suitable smartphone I will make sure I don't 'upgrade'...

katejo

With FD you can use the secure key on the phone to generate a number to use on a laptop. This works much better than the physical device. I first asked for the physical device because I prefer a full size screen for many transactions so thought i would need the physical one. However I found it fiddly to use as I rarely actually needed it so forgot the procedure.
In practice most of my transactions don't need it.

ggw42

I know this discussion is now 12 month old but I have not yet moved from my secure key to a "digital" secure key.
Can anyone answer these questions for me as HSBC's FAQ seems pretty useless.

1/ Is the digital secure key a separate app to the on-line banking app or an integral part of it?
So to log onto banking on my PC would I first have to log onto my tablet or phone?

2/ Can I use both a mobile & tablet to access my banking once I move to a Digital secure key or am I stuck with one device or that other? Since they say "To maintain the security and integrity of the system, only one secure key type can be linked to each customer." it makes me think I can only use it on a single device.

3/ Do I need network coverage on my phone/tablet for the Digital Secure Key to work?
That is OK in the UK but I am thinking about when travelling overseas? I can access the bank using a PC with an internet connection but will the secure key operate without mobile (read expensive) coverage?

Archi_Bald

ggw42 wrote: »

1/ Is the digital secure key a separate app to the on-line banking app or an integral part of it?
So to log onto banking on my PC would I first have to log onto my tablet or phone?

Digital secure key is an integral part of the mobile app. You can still log into your account on the PC without using any secure key but you are limited in what you can do. For example, to set up a new payee, you must use the secure key.

ggw42 wrote: »

2/ Can I use both a mobile & tablet to access my banking once I move to a Digital secure key or am I stuck with one device or that other? Since they say "To maintain the security and integrity of the system, only one secure key type can be linked to each customer." it makes me think I can only use it on a single device.

what they mean is that you can either use the physical or the digital secure key but not both. I don't believe you are limited to one physical device to run the mobile app on.

ggw42 wrote: »

3/ Do I need network coverage on my phone/tablet for the Digital Secure Key to work?
That is OK in the UK but I am thinking about when travelling overseas? I can access the bank using a PC with an internet connection but will the secure key operate without mobile (read expensive) coverage?

The mobile app only works if you have an Internet connection. This can be a wireless connection or a 3G/4G connection. So if you can access your account via a PC, you can almost certainly also access the mobile app as just about no connection is no only wired. You need to be careful if you use wireless on open networks but that's true whether you use a secure key or not.

GingerBob_3

Maybe I'm missing something here but, if it's okay to install a digit secure key on your mobile phone (i.e. a computer) and use it to access internet banking from that same device, why can't you install it on your PC (i.e. a computer) and use it there?