Abstract: A method for object characterization and authentication is described. In one embodiment, the method may include establishing, over a communication network, a connection between a network accessible image capturing device and a remote computing device, capturing a first image of an object using the microscope before performing an action in relation to the object, identifying a distinguishing feature of the object on the first image of the object, capturing a second image of the object using the microscope after performing the action in relation to the object, and identifying the distinguishing feature of the object on the second image of the object. In one embodiment, the image capturing device may include, or be associated with, a microscope.