HSBC decided that they should indeed improve their security--and again put the burden on its customers instead of itself. To this end, it is issuing all Online HSBC customers with what it has creatively titled "the Security Device."

"The Security Device has been selected by HSBC as the technology that best meets our customers' need for flexibility and portability, and our business volume requirements," the bank's FAQ on the device says.

The Device is about the size of a large keychain fob. Synchronized with HSBC's server, each time a customer wishes to login, he or she presses the button on The Device to generate a number. At login, the customer enters their username, password, and this number.

The FAQ addresses six questions, but the Grouch has thought of a few more:

1. What if I had a five-year-old at home who thinks seeing the numbers pop up on this thing is really cool, then presses it about 100 times before I realize it and then can't sync with HSBC's server?