HSBC New Secure Key......

[yelenots]

Just received a new secure key to upgrade my internet banking - has anyone done this yet?
It seems a bit of pain as you have to keep hold of the 'mini key' and get a code from it everytime you want to use the banking.
What happens if the 'key' (which looks like a mini calulator) breaks? Are you still able to access online banking.
Seems a load of nonsense to me!!

[didoatwork]

Just got mine today. Yes it seems to be a bit of a faff! I'll forget how to use it by the time I need to use it again.

[ChuckFickens]

Yes, having decent security for your online banking is a bit of a pain and a load of nonsense.

it would be far better if they didn't bother with good security and let people clear your account of funds.

[didoatwork]

Could someone use their secure key to access someone elses account?

[sherrardk]

My husband has one for his Barclays account and we have one for our Co-op account. I've never used it but my husband seems to get on with it alright.

[Buenchico]

Your local HSBS branch has a stock of spare keys.

I only know that because my (77 year old) friend had problems with the key she received through the post, and she went into her branch to sort things out. (The manager said that he's currently spending much of his time explaining how to get the things to work, to confused customers!)

[bednobs]

no. I take it you are talking of a random number generator thing? It will be unique to your account. If it breaks ou will not be able to access your online account (if you need it to sign in)

[DTCwordfan]

no different to old corporate keypads for access to systems like SMS - rather clever actually as the code changes from day to day, thereby upping your protection - bit like a new electronic condom each day - beats a Mars Bar

[milly143]

I've got one for my Barclays account which is also linked to the business account and I think it's a great idea. If it improves the security of all my accounts then I really don't see a problem with it. The slight issue I had at first was that because I usually keep it at work then on the rare occasion I needed to do some online banking at the weekend I couldn't, however I jus asked them for a second card reader which I received after a few days in the post free of charge.

[roger]

Ihave had a Barclays one for several months now - no trouble at all and they threw in the full version of Kaspersky antivirus for free !

[gingejbee]

HSBC is responding to criticism that it's online banking security was poor. As above, i have been using one for months with Barclays and never had any problems.

[twix123]

HSBC are introducing good security principles using these number generators, as now you will have to enter something that you know, either a pin number or account number, with something you possess, i.e. the security device, which together are more secure than just entering a pin or password.

I've been using, or controlling, these devices for more than 20 years for various online banking and payment systems.

[plautus]

what I don't understand is how it works. How does their system know what code the little pad generates?

[4getmenot]

been using my HSNC one for months, its ok, but I used to come on and know my numbers off by heart, but now cant be arsed to keep getting secure key thing out

[plautus]

From the second week of Sep you won't be able to access your account without it.

[ChuckFickens]

For mike...

http://uk.answers.yah...20110609074405AAsMxrC

[plautus]

Thanks, but my key has a serial number on the back so I know it as well as the bank, unless that's a different serial number.

[AlBags]

I have used one (Pin Sentry) for two years.
Fact is .. one can use any of the bank's pin generators as they all work the same. So if your Natwest one packs in, youi can use a Barclays one.
It uses a complicated algorithm to calculate a pin login (8 numbers) based on the session and the card number. Just about impossible to beat, I imagine. Quick to use once you are used to it.
You still have to log a pass code to get into the login screen with Barclays.

[AlBags]

.. and Barclays do an emergency access method online (without pin sentry) so long as set up first.

[twix123]

@plautus

The devices I used to use would generate a number in response to the numbers the user entered originally, whether it be an account number or a currency amount. A similar device would be used at the recipients end, working in a reverse manner, decoding the generated number to confirm the account number or amount. The recipient device was eventually replaced by a pre-programmed computer to receive the codes and make the calculations, but the devices were individual and had to be 'introduced' to the computer before they were issued to the users, unlike the modern devices now being issued by the banks, which seem to be simple number generators after input of various pieces of data that should only be known to the user.

[Bigfellah]

Been using Barclays Pin Sentry for many years now with no problems whatsoever. Now I have HSBC, Tesco and Nationwide devices as well. All work very well and improve the security for on line banking.

I have also seen a device which is similar to a shop's card swipe machine which can be used for home internet shopping. Not used one yet - the cost is about £50. Would welcome any comments as to whether that is a good investment or not.