A system and method relating to secure communications in a communication network is disclosed. The invention uses sessions having limited duration to enable parties to communicate securely in the communication network. The session of one party is independent from the session of another party. The sessions are linked at a server which confirms that the sessions are valid.In a preferred embodiment, the secure communications occur in an electronic transfer system. In the electronic transfer system, a customer and a merchant can conduct a transaction wherein the customer can purchase a product from the merchant and pay for the product using electronic funds.