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Digital Security Device

Get help activating and using a Digital Security Device so you can protect your accounts and do more digital banking.

What is a Digital Security Device?

If you use online or mobile banking, a Digital Security Device (DSD) gives you added protection against fraud. The DSD generates a temporary code so only you can access your accounts or authorize payees and transactions.

Once you’ve activated your DSDenable biometric identification to make logging on as smooth as possible. Instead of entering your DSD password, all you’ll need to do is scan your face or fingerprint.

Why should you set up a Digital Security Device?

It's secure

Our two-factor authentication offers a higher level of security, protecting you against fraud. Your Digital Security Device will generate one-time codes that will only give you access to transact on your accounts.

Gives you full access

You’ll be able to do all your digital banking transactions, like transferring money, adding payees and updating your personal information.

It's convenient

You can use your cell phone or tablet as a Digital Security Device and generate codes through our HSBC Canada app.

Simple to use

It only takes a few steps to generate codes using your Digital Security Device and then you’re all set to do your banking.

Added protection for your banking transactions

We recommend always logging on with Face/Fingerprint ID or your Digital Security Device password to be able to do more transactions, including:

  • add a new INTERAC e-Transfer contact
  • add a new credit card bill payee
  • add a new HSBC Bank Canada payee
  • add a new wire transfer payee
  • send a domestic or international wire transfer
  • link your HSBC account in another country/region for Global Transfers
  • send money to your HSBC accounts in another country/region
  • update your phone number, email and address

If you log on without Face/Fingerprint ID or your DSD password, you’ll get a prompt when trying to do one of these transactions.

Additional authorization

If you’re in online banking, you’ll need to use your DSD to generate an additional code when adding certain types of new payees:

  • a credit card bill payee
  • another HSBC Canada customer
  • a new wire transfer payee

How to activate a Digital Security Device

Digital Security Device support

To activate your Digital Security Device, you will need the HSBC Canada app, as well as your username and online banking password.

To activate your Digital Security Device:

  • Log on to the app with your username and password.

  • Select ‘Activate Digital Security Device’. If you don’t see this prompt, go to ‘Profile’ then ‘Security’.

  • Follow the on-screen instructions to receive and enter codes needed for activation.

  • Create and confirm your new Digital Security Device password and select ‘Complete activation’.

Make a note of your username, password and Digital Security Device password which you've just created.

Set up Face or Fingerprint ID

Now that your Digital Security Device is set up, you can enable Face or Fingerprint ID and use your biometric information to log on in the future instead of your DSD password.

Here's how:

  • Check your phone settings to ensure you have Face/Touch ID enabled (iOS) or have registered your fingerprint (Android).

  • Log on to the HSBC Canada app.

  • Go to the Profile icon (top right) > Security

  • Use the toggle to enable Face ID or Fingerprint ID.

  • Enter your Digital Security Device password to confirm.

Need help? Call us at 1-888-310-4722.

Guides for generating codes

What do you want to do?

You’ll need to generate different codes using your Digital Security Device to do certain banking transactions on our app or in online banking (hsbc.ca).

  • Log on with access to all digital banking functionality - use the Generate a Log on Security Code guide.
  • Add certain payees - use the Generate a Transaction Security Code guide.
  • Update your security information, like your password - use the Generate a Re-authentication Security Code guide.

Have more questions?

Visit our help and support pages.

 

Access frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to Digital Security Device.

 

Learn more about Security Device.

 

Helpful resources for digital banking.

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