Abstract: A method is provided for user authentication, comprising: provision of a client device provided with an encryption function of variables K, t, x, in which: K is a secret shared by the server and the client device; t is a time-dependent variable; and x is a variable having at least two values, a step of calculation (S30) by the client device of a first value of the function obtained for a first value of x, for authentication of the user by the server; and a step of calculation (S80, S110) by the client device of a second value of the function, obtained for a second value of x, for verification of the user authentication by the server. Also provided is a user authentication device with means of calculation of values of said function.

Abstract: A computer appliance and method are provided. The computer appliance includes a processor, a memory in which the processor can read and write, and an input/output device for interfacing the appliance processor with the outside world. In order to verify conformity of the logical content of the appliance with the reference content, the method includes sending to the appliance a request for loading into the memory and executing a verification program. The verification program is capable or writing data into the memory of the appliance and of reading data in the memory to send them to the input/output device. Then, the method includes sending to the appliance a request for executing the program to saturate the memory available not taken up by the program. Finally, it includes exchanging messages with the appliance by executing the program. Based on the exchanged messages, the conformity of the logical content of the appliance is verified.

Abstract: A method is provided for user authentication, comprising: provision of a client device provided with an encryption function of variables K, t, x, in which: K is a secret shared by the server and the client device; t is a time-dependent variable; and x is a variable having at least two values, a step of calculation (S30) by the client device of a first value of the function obtained for a first value of x, for authentication of the user by the server; and a step of calculation (S80, S110) by the client device of a second value of the function, obtained for a second value of x, for verification of the user authentication by the server. Also provided is a user authentication device with means of calculation of values of said function.

Abstract: An alarm device comprising an electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS) terminal is provided, in which the EFTPOS terminal is adapted to be connected to a telecommunications network and comprises a central processing unit and a program, stored in the central processing unit, adapted to send a pre-defined alarm signal via the telecommunications network. Use of the alarm device as a central alarm station is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic payment terminal, comprising: receiving means for receiving location data; a central processing unit planned for storing location data which may be received by the receiving means; and a program, stored in the central processing unit, for configuring the terminal on according to the location data storable in the central processing unit. The invention also relates to a method for making available, then if appropriate reallocating, electronic payment terminals such as the above.