NetSurf users are reeling from HSBC’s shock decision to suspend their accounts because their RISC OS computers are allegedly infected with spyware. The high street bank has confused the open source browser NetSurf with a strain of PC malware going by the same name, and has locked their customers out for security reasons, it is believed.

Days after celebrating the fact that NetSurf was finally able to log into the HSBC online banking website, RISC OS users were stunned when letters dropped on their doormats telling them they were banned from using their accounts. Punters say they were forced to turn up at their local branch with photo ID and sign a form promising to use Microsoft Windows XP with anti-virus software installed before they could access their money again.

In the letter, HSBC told RISC OS users: “An unauthorised person may have used your internet banking security number to log on to your Personal Internet banking. We believe that a PC that you use to log on to Internet banking may be infected with spyware. It is important that you do not use this computer until the problem has been identified and fixed. Some spyware programs can log your keystrokes, gathering personal data, then sending this to criminals.”

There have been no reports of the existence of any Internet-based spyware for RISC OS. NetSurf and HSBC user Dave Ruck said the bank’s decision had left him “nearly destitute” and “probably seriously overdrawn” with no way of paying off his bills. Another user, Tim Hill, fumed: “It is simply not good enough to test a website with a handful of mainstream desktop browsers or limit access in that way.”

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