this post was submitted on 09 Nov 2024
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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.

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[–] independantiste 75 points 1 month ago (1 children)

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

[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

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)

[–] [email protected] 63 points 1 month ago (5 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 14 points 1 month ago (1 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago

My back pops up with a warning but than just let's be carry on my way

[–] pastermil 6 points 1 month ago (1 children)

The thing is, they're one of the biggest banks in the eastern hemisphere.

[–] [email protected] 18 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Be that as it may, apps must work for me and never the other way around.

[–] lka1988 4 points 1 month ago

Bingo. I will happily go out of my way to modify things, and if the methods provided to hide root/bootloader ststu from any particular app don't work, then that app gets uninstalled.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 month ago (1 children)

I might get a device dedicated to banking only if it comes to that

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago

Don’t worry, you can just use your browser instead of their app

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 month ago (2 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 month ago (1 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago

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).

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago

Fist party keyboards have the exact same permissions. The code is hidden though and noone can audit it.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago

Well then you'll need a good mattress to store your money because in the future, all banks would be doing it.

[–] [email protected] 47 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (2 children)

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!

[–] [email protected] 19 points 1 month ago

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.

[–] [email protected] 28 points 1 month ago (1 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 month ago

You would have to be extremely evil to be a far comparison to any other bank.

Thats impressive.

[–] [email protected] 28 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Move to a credit union. HSBC is terrible.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 month ago (1 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 month ago

Hell yeah! And make sure to tell them the reason for closing your account too

[–] [email protected] 22 points 1 month ago (3 children)

They do a similar thing if you have an accessibility service running that can access the screens content

Well fuck disabled people I guess?

[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

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.)

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago

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 😑

[–] [email protected] -1 points 1 month ago

It is for their own good... Daddy said so.

[–] [email protected] 21 points 1 month ago (1 children)

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.

[–] andrew_bidlaw 5 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (2 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 15 points 1 month ago

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.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 1 month ago

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.

[–] [email protected] -4 points 1 month ago (1 children)

HSBC - High school before Christ

[–] [email protected] -3 points 1 month ago (1 children)

HSBC - Hot Sexy Babes Caressing

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 month ago

Hugely Shitty Banking Corporation