Malware Safety Measures | Cyber Security and Fraud

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Protect your Android device from malware

Safeguard your account and Android device

We've rolled out new safety measures on the Android version of the HSBC HK App to protect you from potential malware-related fraud. Learn more about the malware scams, the features we've added to protect you, and tips to keep yourself safe.

Take me straight to

Beware of malware scams
New safety measure in the Android version of the HSBC HK App
With this safety measure, under what conditions will my access to HSBC HK App be suspended?
How will I know if my access to the app is suspended?
I've downloaded some app(s) from unofficial sources, and my access to HSBC HK App is suspended. What should I do to restore access?
I've enabled the debugging option in my device, and my access to HSBC HK App is suspended. What should I do to restore access?
Tips to protect yourself from malware

Beware of malware scams

We've seen a rise in malware fraud cases. They happen when fraudsters direct victims to download and install malicious apps on their Android device. This then gives them access to the victims' Android devices to allow them to conduct unauthorised transactions.

Our new safety measure can help protect you from such malware.

Investigations have found that fraudsters create fake ads on social media and via messages. These ads promote special offers for groceries, concert tickets, vacation packages, etc. To redeem the offer, victims are then asked to download what looks like a genuine shopping app, from sources other than their phone’s official app stores. But that app contains malware.

Once the fraudsters have taken over the Android devices, they'll log on to the victims' banking app, steal personal information and make unauthorised transactions.

New safety measure in the Android version of the HSBC HK App

If we detect potential risks on your Android device, we'll suspend your access to the HSBC HK App from this device for your protection.

With this safety measure, under what conditions will my access to HSBC HK App be suspended?

You'll NOT be affected by the new measure if:

you're an Android user and only download apps from your phone's official app stores (for details on official app stores, please refer to FAQs);
you’ve not enabled developer and/or debugging options in your device setting.

Your access might be suspended with the new measure if you've:

installed apps from sources other than your phone's official app stores, and granted certain permissions for these apps, such as screen sharing or full control of your device;
enabled developer and/or debugging options in your device setting.

What you can do now:

Check the accessibility settings on your device and assess which app permission is necessary. When in doubt, turn off the accessibility settings for those apps (go to device settings > Accessibility) or delete them.
Turn off developer and debugging options (go to device settings > Developer options) to restore access.

How will I know if my access to the app is suspended?

If you see this screen on the HSBC HK app, we've suspended your access to the app for your protection. To restore access, follow the instructions below.

A screen with the title ‘Your device is at risk’

I've downloaded some app(s) from unofficial sources, and my access to HSBC HK App is suspended. What should I do to restore access?

You can restore access to the HSBC HK App by turning off accessibility for apps installed from sources other than your phone's official app stores or delete them.

To check and manage your accessibility settings, simply follow these steps.

Step 1

Go to 'Settings' > Tap / Search 'Accessibility'

Step 2

Select 'Installed apps' / 'services'

Step 3

Select the potentially affected apps

Step 4

Turn off accessibility for those apps