Abstract: A method and system for mutually authenticating an identity and a server is provided in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The method commences with transmitting a token from the server. Thereafter, the method continues with establishing a secure data transfer link. A server certificate is transmitted during the establishment of the secure data transfer link. The method continues with transmitting a response packet to the server, which is validated thereby upon receipt. The system includes an authentication module that initiates the secure data transfer link and transmits the response packet, and a server authentication module that transmits the token and validates the response packet.

Abstract: A valid duration period for a digital certificate is established by a process that includes assigning numeric values to certificate term. The numeric value assigned to each certificate term is representative of the valid duration period. The method continues by identifying one certificate term, which may include requesting a user to select a certificate term. The method may include transmitting the requested certificate term to a server. The certificate term requested is sent via a certificate request. The server is configured to convert the numeric value associated with the requested certificate term into a duration counter value. The method may also include a certificate server receiving from the server, the certificate request including the duration counter value.