Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for confidence-based user authentication are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the presently disclosed invention provide a method and system for providing self-protecting code. In particular, embodiments provide security modules that may be embedded in a plurality of apps installed on one or more devices. In one embodiment, a central app security system is provided that facilitates the deployment and management of the formation of apps embedded with the security module. With the help of the embedded security modules, the plurality of apps, which may be referred hereinafter as a “secured formation” of apps, perform automated and dynamic scans of other apps within the same formation to ensure the integrity of each app is maintained. Each app in the secured formation may also detect viruses, malware, spyware, and other malicious software contained in the secured formation and perform curative operations in response. In this manner, the apps in any given secured formation collectively ensure that sensitive user information is protected.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for confidence-based user authentication are provided.

Abstract: A programmed computer assigns an authentication requirement rating to an activity and an authentication capability rating to each of one or more authentication methods. The programmed computer receives a request from a user to perform the activity and a first authentication sample result based on a first authentication attempt performed by the user using a first authentication method. The programmed computer determines a current authentication rating for the user based on the authentication capability rating of the first authentication method and the first authentication sample result. The programmed computer then determines whether to allow the user to perform the requested activity based on a comparison of the authentication requirement rating associated with the activity requested by the user and the current authentication rating determined for the user. The programmed computer provides a final authentication result.

Abstract: A method is provided for heat welding plastic material. A welding tip is provided and is configured to slidably receive a welding rod and to direct a flow of hot air toward such a welding rod from a hot air source to melt a leading end of the rod as the welding rod is advanced therethrough. Plastic sheets are positioned edgewise adjacent one another to form a seam therebetween. A v-shaped groove is cut into and along the seam, and the sheets are then welded together along the seam by feeding a welding rod through the welding tip while positioning and moving the welding tip adjacent and along the seam as the welding tip directs hot air to heat the welding rod and the sheets along the groove such that the welding rod flows into the groove and welds to respective sheet surfaces defining the groove. Also provided is an insert for making the v-shaped groove.