Abstract:
A method and system for preventing replay attacks on secure data transactions. A replay attack occurs when an unauthorized user intercepts a secure data transaction between a device and a central system and uses the intercepted data to gain access to the central system. One method for preventing such replay attacks is the use of a unique session identification number that is generated for each secure data transaction request. A replay attack is defeated using intercepted data since the unique session identification number is valid only for a completed session and may not be reused. When a device is connected to a server using either wireless or land-line connection, the device requests a session identification number from the server. The server generates and signals to the device a unique session identification number which the device then transmits back to the server along with a request for a secure data transaction. Upon verification of the correct unique session identification number, the server implements the requested data transaction. Termination of the requested transaction by the device signals the termination of the current secure data transaction. A new unique session identification number must be requested and issued in like fashion for any additional secure data transactions. The method and system offer the advantage of use with multiple available servers, in contrast to present methods which require that a device to communicate with a given server. Further, the present method offers reduced operation time since there is a single coupling/uncoupling for each data transaction.