Abstract: A method for authenticating data comprising the steps of: providing data to a first device having at least two initial cryptographic keys; generating authentication information required to authenticate the data utilizing the at least two initial cryptographic keys; sending the data and authentication data to a second device having paired cryptographic keys wherein each paired cryptographic key is associated to one of the at least two initial cryptographic keys; and authenticating the data in the second device utilizing the paired cryptographic keys.

Abstract: The invention is a transaction terminal configured to perform a financial transaction intermediated by an RFID bearing payment token. The financial transaction is of a general type.

Abstract: In one embodiment, information content files, such as text files, image files, XML files and the like, that provide information related to an identifier bearing item, such as a consumer item with a barcode, are stored on a data storage device such as network server. Identifier data entries, such as UPC data, are associated with file data entries, such as file names, in a database. General file access information that is used in accessing the information content files is stored on a terminal. In operation an identifier is read by the terminal and is used to extract one of the file data entries from the database based on database communication information stored on the terminal. The file data entry in combination with the general file access information is used to establish communication with the data storage device and to extract one of the information content files.

Abstract: The invention is a transaction terminal having an encryption mode apparatus comprising a secure information entry circuit and a secure mode indicator. The secure information entry circuit is operable to execute an encryption routine including steps that involve application of an encryption algorithm. Further included in the secure mode information entry circuit is cryptographic firmware which adapts the secure information entry circuit so that an encryption mode signal is caused to change state when an encryption routine is called. The indicator of the encryption mode apparatus is made responsive to the encryption mode signal so that the indicator indicates to a user as to whether data entered into the terminal will be encrypted by the terminal.