photoTAN
The photoTAN procedure is not one of the classic or most common TAN procedures(not to be confused with Sm@rtTAN photo procedure!) that are used today.
The following banks offer the photoTAN procedure:
- Deutsche Bank
- Commerzbank
- comdirect (Commerbank subsidiary)
- norisbank
- others (1822direkt, Raiffeisen Switzerland)
A reader or smartphone with a photoTAN app is required to generate a TAN and the colored barcode is scanned.
How the photoTAN procedure works
The photoTAN procedure for verifying payments can be used under the following conditions:
- a stable Internet connection, a computer for online banking
- a smartphone
- the corresponding app
After entering the transfer data, a colored barcode must be scanned with the photoTAN app or the reader.
The display now shows the transfer data, which can be checked again, and a TAN, which can be entered into the PC to complete the transaction.
Advantages of the photoTAN procedure
- Simple: Operation is easy to understand
- Mobile: No Internet or telephone connection is required
- Inexpensive: The process requires your own smartphone and a free app or an inexpensive reader.
- Secure: TAN generation with two separate devices and data encryption offer a high level of security
Dangers of the photoTAN procedure
The procedure is only secure if the TAN is calculated together with the account details, the amount of money and the recipient’s account.
If your smartphone is stolen, the thief can simply use the usage data to make transfers.
If there is a Trojan on the smartphone, the fraudster can also obtain a TAN and divert transfers.
