Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to increase the efficiency of multi-party authentication communications protocols. One technique includes a four party authentication method utilizing a general authenticator to store and provide a credit card authentication password and other payment information to an issuing bank and/or other parties involved in the transaction. Other techniques include the use of skeleton messages to minimize the forwarding of information through a forwarding party, the elimination of redundant communications exchanges, the use of a merchant appliance hardware solution to minimize system integration difficulties, and/or the imposition of credit card constraints. The techniques may be used singly or in combination.

Abstract: A computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions for implementing a method of verifying a digitally-signed document includes stored instruction for verifying a digital signature related to the document, stored instruction for validating at least one certificate associated with the signature, and stored instruction for storing audit information into a data structure movable as a unit. The audit information relates to verifying the digital signature and validating the at least one certificate, thereby retaining evidence that the document was verified. The instructions further include stored instruction for thereafter displaying the audit information.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to present an authorized user of a resource with a non-textual representation of characteristics regarding a historical record of access attempts to the resource while the authorized user accessing the resource. Such techniques may be further enhanced by providing the capability to notify an investigatory entity of undesired access attempts or by premising the presentation of such a non-textual representation upon the authentication of the authorized user. The presentation of the non-textual representation may be configured by the authorized user and may also be premised upon reaching a certain threshold of undesired access attempts. Such techniques may utilize a user interface subsystem that interacts with a access management subsystem.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to increase the efficiency of multi-party authentication communications protocols. One technique includes a four party authentication method utilizing a general authenticator to store and provide a credit card authentication password and other payment information to an issuing bank and/or other parties involved in the transaction. Other techniques include the use of skeleton messages to minimize the forwarding of information through a forwarding party, the elimination of redundant communications exchanges, the use of a merchant appliance hardware solution to minimize system integration difficulties, and/or the imposition of credit card constraints. The techniques may be used singly or in combination.