Android @lemmy.world HereIAm @lemmy.world 1 wk. ago

Third party keyboards no longer accepted by HSBC's banking app.

In a recent update to the HSBC app they've added a screen to prevent you from using the app unless you use the default (google) keyboard.

They do a similar thing if you have an accessibility service running that can access the screens content. A fair enough security warning if you've happened to install a dodgy keyboard app, but highly frustrating when using an open source alternative that enhances the security and privacy over the default option (HeliBoard in my case).

I haven't found a way to circumvent the page yet. It would be useful if Android allowed you to block the permission to query all packages, but alas.

40 comments

banks will do everything in their power to restrict who can use their services in the name of security but are absolutely fine with 6-char password size limits and SMS 2FA
- They are in an illusion where their backend is absolutely perfect, but third party apps like open source keyboards implement spyware that spies on users predictable bank passwords. (FlorisBoard is the biggest predator)
  
  Source? That's FUD if I ever heard it
If my bank's app ever forces me to choose between my keyboard of preference and their app, it's their app that's getting uninstalled.
- I think it's a great option to warn people about. Or even force switching of the keyboard for that one app. But it shouldn't require you to set a system sitting.
  
  My back pops up with a warning but than just let's be carry on my way
- The thing is, they're one of the biggest banks in the eastern hemisphere.
  
  Be that as it may, apps must work for me and never the other way around.
- I might get a device dedicated to banking only if it comes to that
  
  Don’t worry, you can just use your browser instead of their app
- Have the security risks associated with third party keyboards been mitigated somehow? I made the decision not to use them years ago and have never revisited it.
  
  Of course there will always be some risk. But HeliBoard and some other keyboard apps are open source and can be audited. I'd trust (I know, you should do your own homework) the more popular ones have a lot of eyes in them.
  
  Fist party keyboards have the exact same permissions. The code is hidden though and noone can audit it.
- Well then you'll need a good mattress to store your money because in the future, all banks would be doing it.
I'm not sure about this app especially, but I hate that my bank personally has so many restrictions on the app usage but I can also just use a web browser on God knows what with who knows what extensions installed and they're all like sure, come on in!
- They likely won't allow that forever. If Google has its way with the web, trusted browser environments will be a thing, and banks will only accept those.
- were you also against cache attestation and manifest v3?
Considering that HSBC is remarkably evil, even compared to other major international banking corporations, this might be a good nudge to stop doing business with them.
- You would have to be extremely evil to be a far comparison to any other bank.
  
  Thats impressive.
Move to a credit union. HSBC is terrible.
- Yeah, I don't really have a reason to stay with HSBC. A responsible me would look for a bank with better credit card interest. Might as well shop around for a new one.
  
  Hell yeah! And make sure to tell them the reason for closing your account too
They do a similar thing if you have an accessibility service running that can access the screens content

Well fuck disabled people I guess?
- Actually, banks are a heavily regulated industry and they have to comply with strict non-discrimination requirements including making all reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities.
  
  If you know someone who uses a screen reader and is therefore unable to use HSBC's app, encourage them to file a complaint with the appropriate regulator (in the US, try https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/ ).
  
  Banks are very attentive about listening to their regulators.
  
  (Of course, it's possible that what HSBC did still works with commonly used screen readers for the blind because they actually thought of this.)
- Yeah it is bad. Maybe it's the case again that the default screen reader is allowed but third party ones aren't?
  
  Okay, I just tested turning on the built in screen reader and it launched just fine 😑
- It is for their own good... Daddy said so.
I understand the reason for this, but if this is what they've decided to do they should also provide a trusted HSBC keyboard that can only be used with their banking application.
- Can apps has their own keyboard and never call the system one? Installing their kb as another app and as a system one at that would be 200% more infuriating. Now THEY can log your keys elsewhere.
  
  They can build a keyboard into it, sure. It's just UI elements and a bunch of buttons. Won't be a good keyboard, but it can be done.
  
  It's possible. First example I can think of is NYT's games app uses their own keyboard. It's clunky, but if someone is concerned (or data hungry) enough for the users security they certainly could.
HSBC - High school before Christ
- HSBC - Hot Sexy Babes Caressing
  
  Hugely Shitty Banking Corporation
You guys use banking apps?
- I do. Not for like spreadsheeting my spending/saving but just checking if something went through, sure.
  
  I find banking apps pretty infuriating. Don't support rooted/custom rom. Too easy to make mistake. Susceptible to 'malware' (ie intent jacking or if the app logs tokens in logcat lol). I use netbanking when needed. For txn logs, mostly SMS works fine.
  
  I find keeping bank account logged in always isn't necessary and just a invitation of hassles.

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