Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for sequential authentication of a user that employ one or more error rates characterizing each security challenge. According to one aspect of the invention, a user is challenged with at least one knowledge challenge to obtain an intermediate authentication result; and the user challenges continue until a cumulative authentication result satisfies one or more criteria. The intermediate authentication result is based, for example, on one or more of false accept and false reject error probabilities for each knowledge challenge. A false accept error probability describes a probability of a different user answering the knowledge challenge correctly. A false reject error probability describes a probability of a genuine user not answering the knowledge challenge correctly. The false accept and false reject error probabilities can be adapted based on field data or known information about a given challenge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remote access to a target application is disclosed where a system administrator may establish telephonic contact with an interactive voice response system and obtain access to the target application by speech communication. The interactive response system may authenticate the system administrator by implementing various measures including biometric measures. Once access is granted, the interactive response system may broker a communication between the target application using text/data and the system administrator using natural language.

Abstract: A system and method for discovering and displaying the compatibility between users of a search service is presented. The searching user registers with the search service and installs a web browser toolbar or component. The searching user browses web pages, and the toolbar searches each web page for identifying information. The toolbar then transmits the identifying information to a search server, which compares the identifying information with listed identifying information for other registered users. Upon finding one or more registered users corresponding to the identifying information, the search server then determines the compatibility between the searching user and each identified registered user, sending the compatibility reports back to the toolbar. The toolbar displays the compatibility reports to the searching user in the browser.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for sequential authentication of a user that employ one or mole error rates characterizing each security challenge. According to one aspect of the invention, a user is challenged with at least one knowledge challenge to obtain an intermediate authentication result; and the user challenges continue until a cumulative authentication result satisfies one or more criteria. The intermediate authentication result is based, for example, on one or more of false accept and false reject error probabilities for each knowledge challenge. A false accept error probability describes a probability of a different user answering the knowledge challenge correctly. A false reject error probability describes a probability of a genuine user not answering the knowledge challenge correctly. The false accept and false reject error probabilities can be adapted based on field data or known information about a given challenge.