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.
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
What source? That was obvious sarcasm.
I hate that some people need it to be spelled out for them now. I feel like that wasn’t the case on ye olde internet.
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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
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.
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.
As someone who doesn’t have the time, skill, or knowledge to audit open source projects, I agree on the trusting more popular open source keyboards (and by extension popular open source projects in general).
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
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.
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.
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?
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.)
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.
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.
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.
