Device recognition is now also available in the Sparkasse app and other Sparkasse banking apps. This provides additional protection against fraud and prevents access to your account details with illegally obtained login details.

The new security feature requires you to mark these apps as trusted once by granting permission the next time you use them.

Please ensure you are using the latest version of your apps to continue using them. Please update this immediately if necessary.

Device discovery is now also available for software products. This provides further protection against fraud and prevents your account details from being read using fraudulently obtained access data (login name and online banking PIN).

This new security feature requires that you also save your software as trustworthy once. You will be asked to approve it the next time you use it and can then save the respective device or software as trustworthy.

Please note that you need a current version of your software to use online banking, as older versions do not support the security function. If necessary, carry out a short-term update or contact the manufacturer of the software product if you have any problems.

Device recognition can be used for the Sparkasse (Business) app from the following versions:

•    iOS: 6.5.3
•    Android: 6.5.2

Please always check whether your apps are up to date. Outdated versions often lead to error messages.

Please carry out the following steps one after the other and check after each step whether the device recognition works again:

1. Check whether your banking software is up to date. If necessary, update the software.
   
2. Update the bank parameters or account details in your software (in the settings area of ​​the software or in the settings on the account itself).
   
3. Contact the respective software manufacturer.
   

Our website will memorise the device or browser from which you log into online banking during the log-in process. This applies regardless of whether you are using a computer, notebook, tablet or smartphone.

Each time you log in after that, our website will automatically check whether it recognises your device or browser.

In future, you will only be able to log into online banking after passing two security checks. This will make online banking safer and is the same as the additional TAN or S-pushTAN app verifications already needed to make transfers.

It is called two-factor authentication, significantly increases online security and is currently the gold standard for protecting access to accounts.

Device recognition is a method that was developed in order to make two-factor authentication easier. When logging in from a trusted (known) device, you will be able to continue logging in – just as before – after passing just one additional security check, which is entering your PIN.

No, device recognition is not compulsory, but we would recommend it. If you do not opt for device recognition, you will have to pass two security checks every time you log in. This means you will have to enter your PIN and a TAN or verify your identity through the S-pushTAN app.

This is most probably because you have deactivated cookies in your browser, which can be easily remedied by activating them. Some browsers are configured to automatically delete all cookies when they are closed.

Sometimes, your cookies may also be deleted by anti-virus software or a browser plugin you may be using. Please make sure that it is possible to use cookies on your device for online banking if you want to use device recognition.

You may be required to pass an additional security check by entering a TAN or verifying your identity through the S-pushTAN app when logging into online banking in the following cases:

• Saving a device as trusted does not remove the need to regularly verify your identity for online banking as legally required under the EU Payment Services Directive (PSD2). This is why you will still be required to verify your identity again every now and then by entering a TAN or through the S-pushTAN app in future.
  
• If you are using a new device that you have never used before (e.g. new notebook, tablet or smartphone) or a new browser.
  
• You have configured your browser to delete cookies every time it is closed.
  
• You are using a private browsing mode on your browser.
  
• You are using additional software, firewalls or browser plug-ins that block certain browser functions.
  
• With some virus scanners (e.g. Kaspersky), it may also be necessary to define corresponding exceptions.
  
• If you do not use device recognition, you will always have to verify your identity by entering a TAN or on the S-pushTAN app in addition to your user name and PIN every time you log in.
  

There is currently no limit on the number of devices you can save.

You can manage the devices you have saved as trusted in online banking under “Security and TANs”.

Yes, they are free.

Once you have started using device recognition, the online banking login procedure will be spread over two screens, which can sometimes cause problems with password managers.

The same applies to browser-based password managers. These problems can usually be easily resolved by simply entering your login details again.

Important: If you have forgotten your login details, there is usually no need to ask for new ones. This is because they will still be saved in your password manager or browser. In most browsers, you’ll be able to find the password manager under Settings.

Please note that, in line with the due diligence obligations set out in our T&Cs, you are legally required to protect your online banking passwords. Hence, please make sure to protect access to any login details saved online with a (master) password.