Malware Safety Measures | Security Centre

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Protect your Android device from malware

Safeguard your account and Android device

Starting from 17 July 2024, we will roll out new safety measures to the HSBC AU app on Android devices to protect you from malware. Learn more about what malware scams you need to be aware of, what we've put in place to protect you, and tips you can use to keep yourself safe.

Take me straight to

Beware of malware scams
New safety measure in the Android version of the HSBC AU app
With this safety measure, under what conditions will my access to HSBC AU app be suspended?
How will I know if my access to the app is suspended?
If my access to HSBC AU app is suspended, what should I do to restore access?
How to turn off accessibility of the apps on Samsung devices
How to turn off accessibility of the apps on Huawei devices
How to turn off accessibility of the apps on Xiaomi devices
How to turn off accessibility of the apps on Google Pixel devices
How to turn off accessibility of the apps on HONOR devices
How to turn off accessibility of the apps on vivo devices
How to turn off accessibility of the apps on Sony devices
How to turn off accessibility of the apps on Oppo devices
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 measures 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 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 AU app

Starting from 17 July 2024, if we detect potential risks on your Android device, we’ll suspend your access to the HSBC AU app from this device for your protection.

With this safety measure, under what conditions will my access to HSBC AU 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

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

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

What you can do now:

Check the accessibility settings on your device and assess which app permissions are necessary. When in doubt, turn off the accessibility settings for those apps (Go to device settings > Accessibility) or remove them from your device.

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

After the new safety measures are launched on 17 July 2024, you will see this screen, with a red warning icon and the heading "Your device is at risk", on the HSBC AU app if your access is suspended. To restore access, follow the instructions below.

Screen from the HSBC AU app, with a red warning icon and the heading "Your device is at risk"

If my access to HSBC AU app is suspended, what should I do to restore access?

You can restore access to the HSBC AU 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