How Wüstenrot Protects Your Login: Two-Factor Authentication Explained
Wüstenrot states that every login to your account uses two-way authentication to stop unauthorised people from accessing your data. Here is what that means in practice.
Two factors, two categories
Strong authentication combines at least two of these categories:
- Knowledge — something you know, like your password or Freigabe-PIN.
- Possession — something you have, like your registered primary smartphone.
- Inherence — something you are, like a fingerprint or face scan.
Even if a criminal learns your password, they still lack your phone — and vice versa.
The legal background: PSD2
The EU's second Payment Services Directive (PSD2) requires strong customer authentication for online account access and most electronic payments across Europe, including Austria. Two-factor login is therefore not only good practice but a regulatory requirement for banks.
Security updates
Wüstenrot says it checks its security systems continuously and ships regular free updates. Your part: keep the app and your phone's operating system updated.
Your checklist
- Enable a screen lock on your phone.
- Install app updates promptly.
- Never approve a request in the app you did not start yourself.
- Read our phishing protection guide.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need my phone to log in on a PC?
Because the phone is your possession factor. Combining it with your password is what makes the login strong.
Pentoblog is an independent publication and is not affiliated with Wüstenrot. For account-specific questions contact Wüstenrot directly through its official website.