James Bond and Danish Banking

So, with thanks to Susan, the team at Settwell, and Susanne at Danske, we now have a fully functioning Danske bank account.

Security is taken very seriously here. It is very elaborate. Let's review the steps required to achieve online access to my bank account.

Step 1. Register with commune and acquire CPR number.

Step 1a. Open bank account.

Step 2. Wait for mail with NemID information.

The NemID, as described in the link, is the Danish digital signature that links you cyber-spatially with your bank, the kommune, the government, your employer, etc. As I mentioned before, checks are non-existent. Every transfer of funds between parties is done with a bank card, a direct deposit, or a wire. 

The NemID is then linked with your NemKonto or "easy account", ie the bank account into which any and all of these funds will be deposited / withdrawn. FWIW, the term "easy account" sounds frightening, but I'm going to just go with it.

Step 3. Wait for NemID temporary password.

Step 4. Continue to wait for NemID temporary password.

Step 5. Acquire NemID temporary password and "Code Cards"

So here's the fun part. First, the NemID password. Let's look at the packaging.

So basically, we're looking at cellophane with a printed number covered by black / white gibberish for security.

You peel off the back black / white gibberish piece, and the temporary password is now visible.

Excellent.

Additionally, to get all James Bond on this, you need to use a code card. Yes. A code card.

I have a set of three cards. Each card has 13 x 4 "code numbers" and the associated 13 x 4 "keys". Each set of three code cards has a specific code number. Each key can only be used once.

The application asks you to submit your NemID and password. After you've changed your login / password to something more secure and memorable, it asks for more verification. Next, you are asked to supply a "key" for a given "code". Check your card, enter the number, move on.

I'm not sure if this happens every time you use a computer or if it is just every time you use a new computer. Regardless, it makes banking far more exciting.

Edit : It happens EVERY time you attempt to log in. Ick.