HSBC decides Samsung Secure Folder and Android's Private Space are no place for a banking app
Customers say the unannounced change also cut off web access that relied on mobile authentication
HSBC has barred its Android banking app from running within Samsung Secure Folder and Android Private Space, causing some customers to lose access to online banking. The bank stated that this block serves as a security measure to combat potential threats. However, this move has left customers feeling stranded, as they were not given any prior notice.
Samsung Secure Folder and Android Private Space isolate apps and data, making them inaccessible to certain banking applications. One user experienced the block without any warning and felt "held hostage" from their own account. The app now displays a generic message about a security issue and offers no alternative access method.
Similar experiences have been reported on Google Play, with users unable to launch the app from Samsung Secure Folder. HSBC contends that its app team believes that the private spaces could hinder the app's ability to detect threats and deliver timely fraud notifications. The company insists that blocking the app is intended to safeguard customers' accounts.
However, customers argue that the lack of advanced warning and the absence of alternative access methods have created significant inconvenience and potential account lockouts. HSBC's customer support has been unable or unwilling to provide clear explanations or solutions to the issue.
Written by urgent.news from The Register Science's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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