Press release 13/10

Furtwangen, December 02, 2010 – Now that the new ID card (nPA) has been introduced at the beginning of November, the distribution of IT security kits has begun.
The federal government is providing 24 million euros to subsidize the distribution of almost one and a half million nPA card readers at a reduced price or free of charge.
For example, 400,000 basic readers from the manufacturer REINER SCT, each worth 35 euros, are enclosed with an issue of the magazine COMPUTER BILD.
The reader can be used to read the data on the integrated ID chip and transmit it to the PC.
This allows the holder to identify themselves in the digital world using electronic proof of identity (eID).
The applications range from Schufa information and pension account overviews to the conclusion of contracts.
The IT security kit also includes a contactless LoginCard, which allows the reader to be used without an ID card and provides many additional service functions.
For example, it enables the user to conveniently log on to the computer, securely access protected folders and documents, log in to many Internet services via mein-cockpit.de and securely access the STRATO HiDrive online hard drive.
The LoginCard can also be used to extend the warranty of the basic reader.
The security kit is only included in the kiosk DVD edition of COMPUTER BILD.
Readers of the CD edition will instead find a voucher on the cover page with which they can purchase a higher-quality standard or comfort reader for the nPA with a considerable price advantage, thanks to a state subsidy worth 25 euros each.
The readers are equipped with a display and dedicated keypad and also support secure online banking via HBCI.
With the signature function, the comfort reader can also be used to access all the features of the new ID card.