Security on the Internet – is that even possible? Especially with something highly sensitive like online banking? TECHBOOK reveals which TAN generators and chip card readers you can use to do your banking online and still sleep peacefully.
There are fewer and fewer bank branches, and if you want to avoid long journeys and be independent of opening hours, you can’t do without online banking. There has been an important regulation here since September 14, 2019: Instead of the paper TAN lists, with which you could previously activate your orders on the network, TAN generators have appeared, in which the activation codes can be generated either by means of a manual, an optical or the Secoder process can be generated. Corresponding devices that are used here are also available for on the go.
What types of TAN generation are there and what are the differences?
A TAN is required, but how? The uniquely valid transaction number, which is only known to the user and which must be entered in addition to the PIN for online banking, can be used – as an alternative to pushTAN or mobileTAN via smartphone – either with a Secoder connected to the computer via USB cable or with a battery-operated standalone -Create TAN generator. The latter shows the TAN on a display, which is then entered manually. A secoder, on the other hand, transmits the TAN securely encrypted via cable.
Standalone TAN generators use different methods, one of which is the chipTAN method. The TAN is generated with a card reader into which you can insert your EC card. There is also the Sm@rt TAN optic method, in which the generator scans light signals on the computer screen, whereupon the TAN to be entered is shown on the display. Whether secoder or TAN generator: the advantages are obvious. Bank TAN lists are obsolete, the method is very secure. In addition to the choice of procedure and the associated safety aspect – here the Secoder clearly has the edge – when buying a TAN generator you should also consider issues such as usability, workmanship, durability and reliability.
Also read: All TAN procedures at a glance and how they work
The test winner: Reiner SCT cyberJack Go
A bank that you can put in your pocket? The Reiner SCT cyberJack Go model is like a mobile bank. A chip card reader and TAN generator for on the go, but of course also for at home. It can be used to access bank details with a notebook or make transfers without having to worry about sleepless nights due to security concerns. The card reader with integrated USB stick is handy and one thing above all: certified secure. Independent testing institutes have put the TAN generator cyberJack Go through its paces and confirmed that all functions comply with the strict security standard of the German banking industry. That’s why it bears the seal “Secoder security-tested, recommended by banks and savings banks”.
If you use banking software, you can simply save it on the device. It can then be flexibly accessed anywhere. Online banking is possible via optical TAN procedure. On top of that, the cyberJack Go model offers the opportunity to use the functions of the new ID card, for example dealing with authorities online or signing legally binding documents digitally. A device that meets the highest demands, that much is certain.
Equipment Reiner SCT cyberJack Go
Advantages and disadvantages Reiner SCT cyberJack Go
Evaluation at computerbild.de: Comparative winner, very good
Per
- + Safe procedure
- + Particularly large and bright display
- + Very reliable
- + Durable
- + Has electronic signature function
Two are better than one: Reiner SCT tanJack deluxe
The Reiner SCT tanJack deluxe model combines a TAN generator for online banking with a premium authenticator for two-factor authentication (2FA). Thanks to the touch and color display, the device works in a similar way to a smartphone, but with the highest level of security. The TAN generator tanJack deluxe cannot be attacked online because no internet connection is required for its use. The data of the online banking transactions and the TANs are clearly shown on the large display. The device also has a card slot for a bank or savings bank card for secure TAN generation.
Almost all leading online platforms offer the possibility to log in with two-factor authentication. This is usually done with an additional 6-digit code. The TAN generator tanJack deluxe securely stores the electronic keys for these logins in its hardware and generates the TOTP one-time passwords every 30 seconds. Unfortunately, the leading German banks such as Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank and HypoVereinsbank do not yet support the Reiner SCT QR code plugin for Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome for browser banking.
Equipment Reiner SCT tanJack deluxe
Advantages and disadvantages Reiner SCT tanJack deluxe
Evaluation at computerbild.de: price-performance winner, very good
Per
- + Very safe procedure
- + Two-factor authentication
- + Is directly supported by many banks
- + Many functions
cons
- – Built-in battery
- – Data backup only possible indirectly
The uncomplicated one: Reiner SCT tanJack photo QR
The Reiner SCT tanJack photo QR model is a compact TAN generator with an integrated chip card reader. It is a tool for online transactions that are secured using the manual processes chipTAN QR and Sm@rtTAN photo. All you have to do is insert your debit card and use the camera on the back to take a picture of the color matrix or the QR code on the PC monitor, for example. The amount and IBAN are then shown on the illuminated display. Then just press the “OK” button and a 6-digit TAN code will be generated. The TAN generator tanJack photo QR has large rubberized buttons and works with three simple AAA batteries.
Equipment Reiner SCT tanJack photo QR
Advantages and Disadvantages Reiner SCT tanJack photo QR
Evaluation at computerbild.de: bestseller, very good
Per
- + Very safe procedure
- + Particularly large and bright display
- + Very reliable
cons
- – Readability of the color matrix code and thus the TAN generation depending on the color display of the screen used
Small but mighty: Reiner SCT tanJack optic CX
Thanks to the optical interface of the tanJack optic CX card reader, keystrokes can be easily transferred directly from the PC monitor to the device. The TAN generator also supports the manual chipTAN and the Sm@rt-TAN plus procedure. It also provides all web components for easy integration in the data center to make integration easier for operators. With dimensions of 84 × 66 × 14 millimeters (W × H × D), the model is ideal for everyone for whom it cannot be small enough.
Equipment Reiner SCT tanJack optic CX
Advantages and disadvantages Reiner SCT tanJack optic CX
Evaluation at computerbild.de: good
Per
- + Very easy to use
- + Large and bright display
- + Very durable
cons
- – Computer must be set to maximum brightness for device to work
The user-friendly one: Kobil TAN Optimus Comfort V1.4
A TAN generator that does what it is supposed to do: carry out all online banking transactions that you want to use it for quickly and reliably. A particular advantage of the Kobil TAN Optimus Comfort V1.4 model: Easy handling with a large, user-friendly keyboard with silicone keys and a two-line, high-contrast alphanumeric LC display. The trilingual user interface in German, English and Turkish demonstrates foresight.
Equipment Kobil TAN Optimus Comfort V1.4
Advantages and disadvantages Kobil TAN Optimus Comfort V1.4
Evaluation at computerbild.de: good
Per
- + Best transmitter detection
- + Very durable
- + Simple operation
- – No backlight or high-contrast display
Conclusion
If you only occasionally want to do banking online, you are well advised to use a TAN generator with basic functions without many extras. Safety actually has nothing to do with the amount of the purchase price.
More articles worth reading about TAN generators
Still not enough about TAN generators and online banking? The editors of TECHBOOK have put together a number of other exciting and helpful articles that deal with the topics.