Abstract: Identity-independent authentication tokens enable issuance of a single strong credential that can be mapped to an individual at each of multiple accounts within the online world. An issuer generates one or more authentication tokens for issuance to individuals or other entities. In some instances, each of these authentication tokens comprises a unique serial number. The individual or other entity may then request an authentication token from the issuer. The issuer may then issue the token to the individual without the need to ask or require the individual to identify his or herself. The individual may then map this issued authentication token to the individual's password at each of the individual's online accounts.

Abstract: Identity-independent authentication tokens enable issuance of a single strong credential that can be mapped to an individual at each of multiple accounts within the online world. An issuer generates one or more authentication tokens for issuance to individuals or other entities. In some instances, each of these authentication tokens comprises a unique serial number. The individual or other entity may then request an authentication token from the issuer. The issuer may then issue the token to the individual without the need to ask or require the individual to identify his or herself. The individual may then map this issued authentication token to the individual's password at each of the individual's online accounts.

Abstract: Identity-independent authentication tokens enable issuance of a single strong credential that can be mapped to an individual at each of multiple accounts within the online world. An issuer generates one or more authentication tokens for issuance to individuals or other entities. In some instances, each of these authentication tokens comprises a unique serial number. The individual or other entity may then request an authentication token from the issuer. The issuer may then issue the token to the individual without the need to ask or require the individual to identify his or herself. The individual may then map this issued authentication token to the individual's password at each of the individual's online accounts.

Abstract: Identity-independent authentication tokens enable issuance of a single strong credential that can be mapped to an individual at each of multiple accounts within the online world. An issuer generates one or more authentication tokens for issuance to individuals or other entities. In some instances, each of these authentication tokens comprises a unique serial number. The individual or other entity may then request an authentication token from the issuer. The issuer may then issue the token to the individual without the need to ask or require the individual to identify his or herself. The individual may then map this issued authentication token to the individual's password at each of the individual's online accounts.

Abstract: A system creates and distributes electronic credentials to members of Special Interest Groups (SIGs). The credentials may be relied upon by independent on-line third party merchants having no prior relationship to the individuals issued the credentials, to identify and characterize those individuals based on membership in the SIG that issued those credentials. Merchants with which the SIG members repeatedly interact can use the credentials to identify and characterize the participating SIG members based on prior interactions as well as group membership. Using cryptography, the merchant party can identify and authenticate the individual presenting the credential as the original owner of the credential, and affirm that the presenting individual is affiliated with the SIG. Based on the individual's authenticated affiliation with the SIG, the merchant can accurately and reliably infer characteristics of the individual and tailor products and services accordingly.