HSBC defends cyber attack

HSBC customers suffered disruptions to online banking on Friday due to a cyber attack.

The lender said it had successfully defended the attack but services were affected on what is a payday for many and two days ahead of a key deadline for paying tax.

Sunday is the last day for filing self-assessment tax forms online at the HM Revenue and Customs.

"HSBC has successfully defended against the attack, and customer transactions were not affected. We are working hard to restore services, and normal service is now being resumed," a spokesperson for HSBC said.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this incident may have caused."