HBCI procedure
The standard procedure HBCI (Homebanking Computer Interface) was introduced in 1998. It is based on the strong encryption of communication between the bank and the customer via a chip card. To take advantage of these benefits, the customer needs a chip card reader that is connected to the customer’s PC.
HBCI was continuously improved over the years and renamed FinTS (Financial Transaction Services) in 2002. The Secoder standard introduced in 2008 offers additional security. The display of the card reader shows in detail which data is signed and encrypted in each case.
Anyone wishing to use the currently most secure procedure for their online banking must have their accounts activated for this purpose at their bank or savings bank and order an HBCI chip card. After installing the chip card reader – and banking software if necessary – on the PC, you are ready to go.
How the HBCI procedure works
The following is required to use HBCI:
- a special chip card,
- financial software and
- a chip card reader.
This is how the transfer with HBCI works
You would like to carry out an order – e.g. a bank transfer. To do this, start the financial software on your PC and log in with your access data.
- Prepare the transfer and click on “Send”.
- Insert your personal chip card into the card reader and identify yourself by entering your PIN code.
- Before the transfer is sent to your bank or savings bank, the signing key on your chip card “signs” it (digital signature). In addition, the referral is coded with an encryption key. The two keys are invisible to third parties as they are stored exclusively on your chip card and in the secure bank computer.
- The order is sent to the bank server via a multi-secured line.
- As soon as your bank receives the transfer, it decodes it and then compares your “signature” with the one on the bank’s signing key.
- Your order will only be executed if this information matches.
Advantages of HBCI
- Practical: Combination of HBCI and PIN/TAN
A combination of procedures is also possible. This means that web banking with PIN/TAN can also be used in parallel with the HBCI procedure with chip card. This means that the account can be accessed quickly when you are on the move, but transactions and evaluations can be carried out from home via chip card in peace and under the highest security conditions.
- Software: convenience and multi-bank capability
Thanks to the software, several bank accounts can be managed at different institutions. This eliminates the need to log in to the institute’s website with the relevant access data. The software also offers numerous convenience and evaluation functions.
- Chip card: Multifunctional from HBCI to online payments
The chip card also offers further advantages: Chip cards and card readers are already used online, for example, for secure online payments of up to 200 euros, digital signatures, age verification and e-ticketing.
Dangers of the HBCI procedure
Although HBCI is less convenient and more expensive than the other methods, as software and a chip card reader are required, there are no risks involved.
