Abstract: A system and associated apparatus and methods for enabling members of a group or virtual community to create and access voice messages, audio, video, text or other content over the Internet. The invention provides a model of a voice bulletin board or forum in which multiple members of a group may create and post messages or other content that may be accessed, commented upon, or supplemented by other group members. The invention enables group members to input the message or content using a fixed-line (e.g., wireline) or wireless device, such as a standard phone, wireless mobile phone, or wirelessly connected computing device equipped with a microphone. The invention further enables a group member to create a forum and provide access to that forum to other group members, and to provide notifications to group members when new messages or content are posted to the forum.

Abstract: A system and associated apparatus and methods for providing enhanced security for transactions conducted over a network, such as eCommerce or a financial transaction conducted over the Internet. The system strengthens the security processes (e.g., user registration, authentication, and transaction acceptance or authorization) that are part of such a transaction to provide additional security for transactions conducted over a network (e.g., the Internet). The invention includes the use of a first communication channel or mode (e.g, the Internet) for entering user data and a second communication channel or mode (e.g., a response entered on a personal phone or VoIP connection) as a supplementary method of verifying the user's identity. The supplementary method may involve placing a call to a fixed line or mobile phone and requesting the user to confirm their identity by entering a alphanumeric string, speaking a password, executing a function on the device, or another similar action.