Abstract: The method and the apparatus provide a security feature in an electronic communication system which contains a first and a second terminal and a communication network. The first terminal is designed for sending a message to the second terminal. A security service station is provided to communicate with the first and second terminals via the communication network. In the first terminal a key is generated at random which is used for encrypting the message, thereby obtaining a first encrypted message. A first quantity of data defining this first encrypted message and the random key form a composed data quantity which is encrypted with a first secret key. This key is specifically assigned to the first terminal. A first encrypted composed quantity of data is obtained which is sent from the first terminal to the security service station.The first encrypted message is transmitted from the first terminal to the second terminal. Here, a second quantity of data defining the first encrypted message is derived.

Abstract: The apparatus for identity verification using a data card contains at least one terminal and a security service station. The terminal(s) and the station are connected to each other via a communication system. The terminal is provided with a central processing unit including a memory, a card reader for reading data from the data card, a sensor or number input device for introducing personal identification information, and a crypto module. The crypto module encrypts and decrypts data received from the memory under the control of the central processing unit. The security service station likewise also contains a central processing unit including a memory, and a crypto module. This station also contains a comparator for comparing personal identification information with reference personal identification information. Both kinds of information are transmitted to the station from the terminal.