Smart Card Readers

"Do you need any help?"

Conrad Customer Service

0043 50 90 70 - 2000

This text is machine translated.

About smart card readers

What was a smart card
What types of smart card readers are there?
What should be of particular importance when purchasing chip card readers?
Functions of chip card readers
FAQs: The most common questions about smart card readers
Conclusion: This is how you can find the right smart card readers

What was a smart card

Chip card readers are devices that make it possible to read stored data on different chip cards, to activate stored processes with it and to have easy access to the chip cards with the computer. The clever devices are used, among other things, for banking with online banking, cashless payments, charging an online money card, e-ticketing, electronic or digital signatures, time and project records, as well as for systems that are secured by access control. A distinction is made between external and internal chip card readers. External models are usually connected with a USB cable or work via a serial interface. As the name suggests, internal chip card readers are already installed in the housing of a device, such as a computer. Chip card readers are now on the market in many different forms in numerous sizes. There are smaller desktop devices as well as mobile readers or models that can be mounted on the wall, for example, for entrance doors. The devices are often referred to as chip card terminals.

What types of smart card readers are there?

In addition to the distinction between external and internal chip card readers, the terminals are divided into different security classes according to their equipment. Depending on your use, it is important to choose the right security class to ensure the protection of your data and your online security. In order to know which device is required for your individual requirements, you will find a list of the different safety classes from 1 to 4 with instructions for use in the following.

Class 1

The smart card readers, which are assigned to security class 1, do not have any special security features. The devices can only be used as a contact unit for the chip.

Class 2

All chip card readers with security class 2 can be operated via a secure keyboard, which transmits secret information, such as a PIN number, confidentially from the terminal to the respective chip card. These models are suitable for example for your banking business in online banking.

Class 3:

In principle, the smart card readers of security class 3 are equipped in the same way as the types of class 2. The only differences are that they have an additional display and a transaction checking module, which you can use to pay securely online, for example, via a cash card. Thus, the risk of possible manipulation of the payment amount or the recipient is reliably eliminated.

Class 4:

The security class 4 smart card readers are equipped with an additional card slot that has an authentication module that undoubtedly identifies the reader and therefore the operator.

What should be of particular importance when purchasing chip card readers?

Chip card readers are very versatile and can be used for various purposes. Both privately and in the commercial sector they contribute to more security and that

Protection of personal data. Chip card readers are particularly frequently used for the following functions:

Online banking: All banking transactions can be done quickly and easily with a chip card reader from home.
Time recording: Whether for small or large companies, chip card readers at the time or project recording are helpful gadgets. They can be purchased with different number of employee licenses.
Authentication: With the new ID card, you can easily identify yourself online using a smart card reader.
Reading of memory cards, contact data or other stored data, such as on a health insurance card.
Authorizations or digital signatures: Documents, contracts or similar can be easily signed online with the appropriate chip card reader.
Operating System: It is important that you make sure that the smart card reader supports your operating system so that you can also connect the device to your PC.
Multiple use: If the chip card reader is to be used beyond online banking, it is possible to select a terminal of security class 3 directly.

Purpose: First of all, you should be aware of the purpose for which you would like to purchase the smart card reader. The safety class is based on this.

Online banking capability: If you want to use the reader for online banking, the selected model should of course be available for the relevant financial institution and also be equipped with the HBCI security standard. This is the only way to ensure the maximum protection of personal data.

Functions of chip card readers

Chip card readers are very versatile and can be used for various purposes. Both privately and in the commercial sector, they contribute to greater security and the protection of personal data. Chip card readers are particularly frequently used for the following functions:

Online banking: All banking transactions can be done quickly and easily with a chip card reader from home.
Time recording: Whether for small or large companies, chip card readers at the time or project recording are helpful gadgets. They can be purchased with different number of employee licenses.
Authentication: With the new ID card, you can easily identify yourself online using a smart card reader.
Reading of memory cards, contact data or other stored data, such as on a health insurance card.
Authorizations or digital signatures: Documents, contracts or similar can be easily signed online with the appropriate chip card reader.

Practical advice

In order for programs to access a connected chip card reader, you must install the appropriate driver software in advance. This is usually provided by the respective manufacturer.

FAQs: The most common questions about smart card readers

Which smart card reader for HBCI?

HBCI means "Home Banking Computer Interface" and is the term for the chip card-protected security standard, which guarantees you the highest protection for your personal data. We recommend a Secoder, which meets maximum safety standards and was especially invented for the uncomplicated and protected online banking. The chip card reader can operate all the usual standards such as HBCI, EBICS, money card and electronic signature.

Remember that for a HBCI chip card reader you also need a HBCI chip card, a secret number and the corresponding software.

How does a smart card reader work?

Roughly speaking, the chip card reader starts working with the chip card at the moment of connection. The terminals supply the card with power, clock her and establish a connection gemäß the respective parameters of the card. Your data is read out, transmitted or processes, such as opening security doors, are initiated.

For online banking or cashless payment, a PIN is also required to activate the transactions.

Conclusion: This is how you can find the right smart card readers

The Conrad Technology Shop hält online different chip card readers für ready for you. Browse the selection for online banking with the secure HBCI security standard or for secure authentication with your identity card. Don't forget to choose the right security class. To ensure maximum online protection für your data.In the Conrad branches in your Nähe you will find competent experts who will be happy to advise you when purchasing a chip card reader, so that you can take the right security class and the compatible software für your operating system home.

This text is machine translated.       About smart card readers  What was a smart card What types of smart card readers are there? What should be of particular importance when purchasing chip card readers? ...