Abstract: A method for authenticating an object, particularly a security element for protecting value documents, ID documents and products, as well as a security element, a security document, a reader, an individualization device and a server for such a method. The method involves the steps: dividing a first code element into at least one first partial code element and one second partial code element, storing the second partial code element, arranging the first partial code element and/or a second code element on and/or in the object, jointly machine-capturing the first partial code element and the second code element by means of a reader, extracting the first partial code element and the second code element from the data captured by the reader, accessing the stored second partial code element using the second code element as a key, checking whether the code element resulting from merging the extracted first partial code element and the stored second partial code element corresponds to the first code element.

Abstract: A method for verifying a security document by means of a reading device wherein first transmission and/or reflection properties of a first region of the security document are detected in a first spectral range by the reading device and a first data set specifying these properties is generated therefrom, wherein the first region at least in some regions overlaps an optical security element arranged on the security document or embedded in the security document and wherein second transmission and/or reflection properties of the first region of the security document are detected in a second spectral range by the reading device and a second data set specifying these properties is generated therefrom, wherein the first spectral range differs from the second spectral range, and wherein, the authenticity of the security document and/or of the security element is checked on the basis of at least the first data set and the second data set.