HBZweb customers can now transfer funds to any bank account located anywhere in the world.

Mr Reza Habib, Joint President, Habib Bank AG Zurich announced, 'We are happy to offer another first in the region. HBZ offers yet another unique service for its clients combining the highest level of security and manageability.'

Top level security
Since security is the hottest issue all over the world, this service offers a combination of multiple levels of security. From 128-bit SSL (secure socket layer) security, the highest level of commercial security available on the web today, to proprietary firewalls, user name, password protection and challenge-response-authentication-mechanism, HBZweb is the most secure on-line banking in the Middle East.

The challenge-response-authentication-mechanism, a dynamically generated 4 digit challenge embedded in a graphic background, is displayed whenever the HBZweb login screen appears on the user's browser. In addition to the login ID, password and the optional secure key, the user has to enter the challenge digits displayed in the specified field. This new, previously unseen feature for the Middle East, prevents automated processes from guessing HBZweb passwords.

HBZ has deployed a unique 'HBZsecure key' that works in combination with the existing HBZweb banking users' names and passwords. Delivered on a physical media such as mini CD ROMs, SD cards (secure stamp-sized flash memory card), USB flash drive (a portable USB hard drive used for storage and transportation of data and applications) or virtually any media of the user's choice, HBZsecure key is mandatory for some of the more sensitive web options like HBZcms, a third party fund transfer that customers can access online at HBZweb. Each HBZsecure key is uniquely configured for the user with a VLVP (very long variable password). Once users have this proprietary 'key', they can access their accounts and make third party fund transfers from any computer in the world that has Internet access and a CD disk drive, SD card reader or USB port. Additionally, HBZsecure key can also be used by the authorised user to restrict or limit an account's functionality thereby adding an additional layer of security

Fully automated transaction processing system
HBZ's core banking system, hPLUS, is fully integrated with HBZ's back end operations (so after the initial checks in line with the bank's policies are met) and the user presses the 'proceed' key, the fund transfer leaves the Habib Bank AG Zurich account immediately. As a result, unlike other systems which require manual intervention at several points, HBZsecure key fund transfer is operational and available to clients 24 hours a day, world wide.

Full manageability
Corporate customers can benefit from multiple levels of manageability. For example, a company can have one access level for an accountant to enter the details of a fund transfer and one or multiple approvals depending on the levels requested by the customer. HBZ's system takes care of all these variables and will process the transfer once each step has been successfully completed.