Abstract: A cryptographic authentication method including a first step during which a first entity (A) to be authenticated sends an authenticator second entity (B) a message protected by a cryptographic algorithm and a secret key (Ks). During a second step, the second entity (B), after receiving said message, carries out operations selected from the group comprising completely verifying the authentication of the received protected message by means of said cryptographic algorithm and a verification key (Kv), delaying said complete verification, partly verifying said authentication, partly verifying said authentication and completing the verification subsequently, and omitting to verify said authentication. One of these operations is chosen as a function of the degree of certainty that the second entity (B) wishes to obtain as to the authentication of the first entity (A) and being concealed from the first entity (A).

Abstract: The invention relates to a cryptographic authentication method including a first step a) during which a first entity (A) to be authenticated sends an authenticator second entity (B) a message protected by a cryptographic algorithm and a secret key (KS). During a second step b), the second entity (B), after receiving said message, carries out operations selected from the group comprising completely verifying the authentication of the received protected message by means of said cryptographic algorithm and a verification key (KV), delaying said complete verification, partly verifying said authentication, partly verifying said authentication and completing the verification subsequently, and omitting to verify said authentication, one of said operations being chosen as a function of the degree of certainty that the second entity (B) wishes to obtain as to the authentication of the first entity (A) and being concealed from the first entity (A).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making a payment using an account manager or kiosk, the process guaranteeing the payment of the supplier and the anonymity of the customer. A customer (U) withdraws from his bank (B) a sum in the form of "blind" electronic coins or cash, deposits the latter in one or more anonymous accounts in a kiosk (K) and finally uses said account or accounts for paying suppliers of goods or services (SA). The invention has application to streamline and voice telepayment.