Abstract: A personal computer is provided comprising a network communication interface configured to communicate with the Internet. The computer further includes a memory device configured to store information and computer-executable program code. The computer further includes a processor operatively coupled to the network communication interface and the memory device. The processor and the computer-executable program code are both configured to provide enhanced security features for safeguarding financial transactions conducted over the Internet and for safeguarding non-public information stored in the memory from being retrieved over the Internet by an unauthorized entity. The computer further includes indicia attached to the computer. The indicia is visible to a potential user of the computer and is configured to portray to the potential user of the computer that the computer is specifically designed and built to provide increased security for financial transactions handled over the Internet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for performing financial transaction using gamer tag information. For example, in one embodiment, a method is provided to: (1) receive information associated with a first gamer tag and information associated with a proposed financial transaction; (2) determine that the first gamer tag is associated with a first financial account; and (3) facilitate the proposed financial transaction, wherein the proposed financial transaction involves the first financial account.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for user authentication required for conducting online financial institution transactions. The disclosed embodiments leverage the capabilities of platforms other than conventional personal computers and laptops, such as gaming consoles and wireless devices. Unique intrinsic user activities, such as controller motions or activities, built-in hardware signatures or other input data are used as the authentication mechanism, so as to provide a higher degree of security in the overall authentication process by lessening the likelihood of password replication or interception during network communication.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for a secure platform for conducting financial institution transactions. A game console platform is defined that provides for both individual customers and business customers to conduct financial transactions while ensuring higher integrity and confidentiality of the customer's transactions. Additionally, the platform provides for greater user-interface functionality and a heightened user experience.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are defined that provide for secure online financial transaction text chat. According to present embodiments, the security provided to the text chat stream is less likely to be intercepted by a network attacker during communication. In addition to providing heightened security to text chat transmissions, methods, systems and computer program products provide for an alternate platform for delivering the text chat application in the form of a game console. In this regard, the methods, systems and the like provide for text chat on platforms other than personal computers, laptops and/or telephones.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are defined that provide for secure online financial transaction voice chat. According to present embodiments, the security provided to the voice chat stream is less likely to be intercepted by a network attacker during communication. In addition to providing heightened security to voice chat transmissions, methods, systems and computer program products provide for an alternate platform for delivering the voice chat application in the form of a game console. In this regard, the methods, systems and the like provide for voice chat/calls on platforms other than personal computers, laptops and/or telephones.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for user authentication required for conducting online financial institution transactions. The disclosed embodiments leverage the capabilities of platforms other than conventional personal computers and laptops, such as gaming consoles and wireless devices. Unique intrinsic user activities, such as controller motions or activities, built-in hardware signatures or other input data associated with a gaming console are used as the authentication mechanism, so as to provide a higher degree of security in the overall authentication process by lessening the likelihood of password replication or interception during network communication.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for protecting against bank card fraud and related crimes by providing a distress/fraud trigger at bank card machines, such as automated teller machines and point-of-sale terminals. The trigger initiates certain heightened-security processes designed to stop the crime, control damage, and help apprehend the criminal. For example, in one embodiment, the trigger involves the cardholder inputting a “panic” personal identification code into the bank card machine. The panic personal identification code indicates to a party involved in the bank card transaction that a fraudulent transaction may be taking place.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for a secure platform for conducting financial institution transactions. A game console platform is defined that provides for both individual customers and business customers to conduct financial transactions while ensuring higher integrity and confidentiality of the customer's transactions. Additionally, the platform provides for greater user-interface functionality and a heightened user experience.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for user authentication required for conducting online financial institution transactions. The disclosed embodiments leverage the capabilities of platforms other than conventional personal computers and laptops, such as gaming consoles and wireless devices. Unique intrinsic user activities, such as controller motions or activities, built-in hardware signatures or other input data associated with a gaming console are used as the authentication mechanism, so as to provide a higher degree of security in the overall authentication process by lessening the likelihood of password replication or interception during network communication.

Abstract: A personal computer is provided comprising a network communication interface configured to communicate with the Internet. The computer further includes a memory device configured to store information and computer-executable program code. The computer further includes a processor operatively coupled to the network communication interface and the memory device. The processor and the computer-executable program code are both configured to provide enhanced security features for safeguarding financial transactions conducted over the Internet and for safeguarding non-public information stored in the memory from being retrieved over the Internet by an unauthorized entity. The computer further includes indicia attached to the computer. The indicia is visible to a potential user of the computer and is configured to portray to the potential user of the computer that the computer is specifically designed and built to provide increased security for financial transactions handled over the Internet.

Abstract: A packet filtering system for use with a host computer implementing a streams sub-system comprises a configuration component for maintaining a collection of configuration parameters based on user input, and a streams interface component for managing bi-directional transmission of packets according to the collection of configuration parameters. The configuration parameters may include sets of authorized port, protocol and address designations. The streams interface component preferably includes corresponding modules for port filtering, protocol filtering and address filtering whereby inbound and outbound packets which are not blocked by any of filtering modules are, respectively, passed upstream and downstream between an associated network device and the stream head. A computerized method for managing bi-directional transmission of packets, as well as a computer-readable medium having executable instructions for managing packet transmission, are also provided.