摘要:
A method of establishing a secure channel between a human user and a computer application is described. A secret unique identifier (“PIN”) is shared between a user and an application. When the user makes a request that involves utilizing the PIN for authentication purposes, the application renders a randomly selected identifier. The randomly selected identifier is in a format that is recognizable to a human but is not readily recognizable by an automated agent. The randomly selected identifier is then presented to the human user. The user identifies the relationship between the randomly selected identifier and the PIN. If the user's input reflects the fact that the user knows the PIN, then the user is authenticated.
摘要:
Systems and methods are provided for managing the transfer of electronic files. In one embodiment, a sender transfers an encrypted version of a file (such as a digitally encoded audio track, movie, document, or the like) to someone who wishes to receive it. The receiver computes a hash of the encrypted file, and sends it to a trusted third party. The trusted third party compares the hash that was computed by the receiver with another hash computed by the sender. If the two hashes match, the third party sends the file decryption key to the receiver. In some embodiments, the receiver may also send the third party payment information so that the sender, the content owner, and/or the third party can be paid for their role in the transaction. In a preferred embodiment, the payment information is only sent to, and/or used by, the third party once the third party has confirmed to the satisfaction of the receiver that the encrypted file in the receiver's possession will decrypt correctly. In some embodiments, the sender computes a hash of the encrypted version of the file and sends it directly to the third party. In other embodiments, the sender encrypts this hash using a key associated with the third party and sends the encrypted hash to the receiver, who then forwards it to the third party.
摘要:
A system and method is disclosed for determining a value of an element, having a k-th rank. The method discloses: calculating a total number of elements in a first and second dataset; prohibiting parties from accessing each other's dataset; ranking the elements within each dataset; computing a total number of elements in the datasets each having a value less than a test value; computing a total number of elements in the datasets each having a value greater than the test value; and setting the value of the element, having the k-th rank, equal to the test value, if the total number of elements having values less than the test value is ≦ the k-th rank minus one, and the total number of elements having values greater than the test value is ≦ the total number of elements minus the k-th rank. The system discloses means for practicing the method.