Risk: Informational
As phishing threats continue to increase, HSBC will begin to use software that will visually demonstrate that its websites are genuine in an attempt to help prevent customers becoming victim to these online scams.
In May, the Bank will begin using the Extended Validation SSL from Verisign to give its three million online customers reassurance that they are using a genuine HSBC website.
The software will ask customers for their personal details. A green bar will appear on the screen certifying to the user that the website is genuine.
HSBC's Senior Manager, Barry Jones says that the new software will confirm to customers that any personal information they supply will go directly to the Bank. It is a low cost and simple method and could be rolled out globally across the HSBC group if proved successful in the UK.