Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a platform for using 2D barcodes to establish secure authenticated communication between two computing devices that are in proximity to each other. A two-tier application architecture using a single base app and dynamic add-on applets is used. 2D barcodes can be distinctively visually branded. According to other aspects, the security of mobile payment systems are enhanced by (1) a triangular payment settlement in which the sender and receiver of payment each submit transaction information independently to the same payment server; (2) sensitive information is split into two parts, one of which is stored on a mobile device, and the other of which is stored on a payment server, and the two parts are only combined and exist transiently in the payment server's volatile memory when executing a transaction; and (3) a process to securely update profile pictures associated with payment accounts.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a methods and system in the field of independent programs operating within an operating system such as Linux and more particularly to computer software embodied in a computer readable medium including: an independent program for running autonomously in a native mode within an associated computer processor; an operating system program for running autonomously within an associated computer processor; a mode switcher process for switching operation from the independent program to the operating system program whereby the independent program functions as an embedded entity of the operating system; and wherein the mode switcher program switches the independent program from the operating system program whereby the independent program runs autonomously in the native mode.