Abstract: A method of operating a security server to securely transact business between a user and an enterprise via a network includes receiving, at the security server from an enterprise with which the user is currently connected via the network, a request of the enterprise to activate a secure communications channel over the network between the user and the security server. The request includes contact information for contacting the user via other than the network. The security server, in response, transmits an activation code for delivery to the user via other than the network and in a manner corresponding to the received contact information. The security server receives, from the user via the network, an activation code and compares the received activation code with the transmitted activation code to validate the received activation code. The secure communications channel is then activated based on the validation of the received activation code.

Abstract: A security server receives a request of a user to activate a secure communications channel over the network and, in response, transmits an activation code for delivery to the user via another network. The security server receives an activation code from the user network device via the network, compares the received activation code with the transmitted activation code to validate the received activation code, and activates the secure communications channel based on the validation. The security server next receives a query including a question for the user from an enterprise represented on the network, transmits the received enterprise query to the user network device via the secure communications channel, and receives, from the user network device via the secure communications channel, a user answer to the transmitted enterprise query. The security server then transmits the received user answer to the enterprise to further authenticate the user to the enterprise.

Abstract: A portable apparatus is removably and communicatively connectable to a network device to communicate authentication or authorization credentials of a user in connection with the user logging into or entering into a transaction with a network site. The apparatus includes a communications port to connect and disconnect the apparatus to and from the network device and to establish a communication link with the network device when connected thereto. A processor receives a secure message from the network security server via the port. The message has a PIN for authenticating the user to the network site, and is readable only by the apparatus. The processor either transfers, via the port, the received PIN to an application associated with the network site that is executing on the network device or causes the apparatus to display the received PIN for manual transfer to the application associated with the network site.

Abstract: A method of operating a security server to securely transact business between a user and an enterprise via a network includes receiving, at the security server from an enterprise with which the user is currently connected via the network, a request of the enterprise to activate a secure communications channel over the network between the user and the security server. The request includes contact information for contacting the user via other than the network. The security server, in response, transmits an activation code for delivery to the user via other than the network and in a manner corresponding to the received contact information. The security server receives, from the user via the network, an activation code and compares the received activation code with the transmitted activation code to validate the received activation code. The secure communications channel is then activated based on the validation of the received activation code.

Abstract: A security server receives a request of a user to activate a secure communications channel over the network and, in response, transmits an activation code for delivery to the user via another network. The security server receives an activation code from the user network device via the network, compares the received activation code with the transmitted activation code to validate the received activation code, and activates the secure communications channel based on the validation. The security server next receives a query including a question for the user from an enterprise represented on the network, transmits the received enterprise query to the user network device via the secure communications channel, and receives, from the user network device via the secure communications channel, a user answer to the transmitted enterprise query. The security server then transmits the received user answer to the enterprise to further authenticate the user to the enterprise.

Abstract: A portable apparatus is removably and communicatively connectable to a network device to communicate authentication or authorization credentials of a user in connection with the user logging into or entering into a transaction with a network site. The apparatus includes a communications port to connect and disconnect the apparatus to and from the network device and to establish a communication link with the network device when connected thereto. A processor receives a secure message from the network security server via the port. The message has a PIN for authenticating the user to the network site, and is readable only by the apparatus. The processor either transfers, via the port, the received PIN to an application associated with the network site that is executing on the network device or causes the apparatus to display the received PIN for manual transfer to the application associated with the network site.