AU2001271441A1

AU2001271441A1 - Method and system of securely collecting, storing, and transmitting information

Info

Publication number: AU2001271441A1
Application number: AU2001271441A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Rick Davis; David Scott; Mark Walsh
Original assignee: PATENTEK Inc
Current assignee: PATENTEK Inc
Priority date: 2000-06-28
Filing date: 2001-06-27
Publication date: 2002-01-08
Also published as: CN1449540A; MXPA03000147A; CA2418096A1; RU2003102377A; KR20030019466A; EP1314125A2; WO2002001462A3; IL153686A0; WO2002001462A2; CR6874A; BR0112382A; JP2004511028A

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM OF SECURELY COLLECTING, STORING, AND

TRANSMITTING INFORMATION

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Technical Field

The present invention relates in general to a method and apparatus for facilitating the completion of a transaction. The invention more particularly relates to electronic commerce transactions and systems to ensure the security of confidential information transmitted over potentially insecure communication media.

Background Art

In rapidly increasing numbers, consumers are opting to purchase products and services online. To make purchases online, the vast majority of consumers pay using a conventional credit card. The increasing utilization of credit card purchasing over computer lines, and the incredible growth of online sales in recent years, has highlighted the insecurity of such transactions. Systems currently in use to authenticate and authorize information transmitted online are unable to detect and prevent credit card fraud and misuse.

Presently, all parties to online transactions may be at risk from the misuse of online sales systems and the data transmitted over electronic lines. Customers face potential fraudulent merchant transactions, overcharges, double billing, impersonated merchants, breaches of security on merchant computers, and the resulting misuse of information transmitted by the customer. Merchants risk losses from persons purchasing goods with fraudulent or stolen credit cards, back charges, impersonated customers, computer hackers who steal customer data, employees who misuse customer data, and other difficulties which threaten the integrity of their data bases. Credit card companies also risk losses from the fraud or misuse of data by customers, merchants and hackers.

Although the electronic sales market segment is rapidly expanding, growth has been slowed by fear among consumers regarding the potential for misuse of credit card information transmitted online. Recent polls demonstrate that as many as 80% of persons over 45 who utilize the Internet are reluctant to make purchases online. Although the use of the Internet to purchase goods and services has highlighted problems with the security of transactions, the risk of misuse of credit card information is presented in more traditional methods of business transaction as well.

For example, providing credit card information to a merchant by facsimile transmission, telephone, or even in person does not prevent the merchant or employees from misusing the credit card information, or from having the information misappropriated from that merchant's computer by hackers. To allay customer concern over the security of Internet purchasing, system have been developed to ensure the security of certain portions of the transmission process. However, these systems fail to ensure the security of the overall transaction and can not prevent misappropriation or misuse of credit card information. Credit card companies also take steps to protect customers from liability for stolen or misused credit card information. Even with such systems in place, consumers are inconvenienced by the need to scrutinize credit card statements and, where apparent misappropriation has occurred, the need to contact the credit card company, cancel credit cards, and delays inherent in obtaining new credit cards.

Credit card companies defray their losses from misappropriation of credit card information by charging merchants increased fees for high-risk transactions and additional fees for charge backs. Merchants also experience losses by shipping goods or providing services for which they ultimately are not paid. Merchants recapture their losses by increasing the prices of goods sold. As a result, consumers ultimately pay for security breaches and the misappropriation of credit card information through higher interest rates on their credit cards, higher prices from merchants, and taxes.

Information is misappropriated in several ways which current technology is unable to prevent. Persons increasingly impersonate either a consumer or a merchant to obtain credit card information. Computer hackers gain unauthorized access to computers and the information stored on them. Although technology has been developed to make unauthorized access more difficult, hackers have been able to gain access to the computer servers of both credit card companies and merchants, and misappropriate credit card numbers and other sensitive information. Hackers then sell the misappropriated information to bulk emailing firms and/or use the numbers to extort payments from the merchants or credit card companies, which often pay hackers to prevent the distribution of misappropriated information.

Computer programs have been developed to misappropriate information. For example, software has been developed which seeks out unprotected servers and downloads encrypted password files. The encryption is then defeated by encryption of an entire dictionary, and then cross-matching the encrypted passwords to the encrypted words from the dictionary. Software has also been developed which will impersonate a elected website, allowing a hacker to obtain information from consumers who unwittingly access the impersonated website. Other software can capture passwords, credit card numbers, or even screen images from a computer. Yet other programs exist which "listens" in on a particular computer data port, forwarding data traveling through that data port to another computer. Software also exists which can "reverse engineer" computer programs, bypassing unlock keys or making them perform differently than intended.

By accessing a website's name server, a hacker can re-route a merchant's website, so that consumers who believe they are transmitting credit card numbers and other information to a merchant's site are actually transmitting that information to the hacker. Hackers also gain access to merchant servers by emailing the webmaster for a particular merchant and depositing a program that captures the webmaster's password and returns it to the hacker, enabling access. Misappropriation of credit card or account information is an attractive crime because it is profitable and perpetrators are seldom prosecuted.

Conventional technology has focused on encryption of transmitted data and authentication of the merchant. As seen above, such efforts fail to provide adequate security. Encryption of data can be defeated, or the data can be captured when it is not encrypted, such as at the time of transmission or after it is stored. Hackers also have developed sophisticated methods of impersonating merchants, defeating current technology which focuses on merchant authentication.

As noted, misappropriation of credit card or other consumer information is not limited to merchants utilizing the Internet for sales. Conventional business transactions also carry a risk of misappropriation which is not prevented by conventional technology. Most merchants use their computers to access the Internet, even if they do not make sales over the Internet. In so doing, such merchants make the data stored on their computer vulnerable to online hackers. Even merchants who do not use any computer face a risk of misappropriation of credit card or other information by employees.

In an attempt to alleviate some of these shortcomings, there have been a number of U.S. patents addressing various aspects of the foregoing problems.

Reference may be made to the following U.S. patents: 5,974,367; 5,816,083;

5,974,367; 5,816,083; 4,297,569; 3,641,498; 5,886,421; 4,211,919; 4,947,163; 5,079,435; 5,033,084; 4,609,777; 4,295,039; 4,438,426; 5,206,905; 2,226,137;

RE029.259; 5,377,269; 4,609,777; 4,609,777; 4,819,267; 4,951,249; 4,959,861;

5,222,133; 5,604,343; 4,771,462; 4,408,203; 6,016,348; 6,025,785; 6,016,484;

5,590,038; 5,590,197; 5,671,279; 5,671,280; 5,677,955; 5,610,887; 5,715,314;

5,729,594; 5,742,845; 5,754,772; 5,793,966; 5,796,841; 6,025,379; 5,815,657; 5,812,668; 5,777,306; 5,367,698; 6,018,805; 6,029,150; 6,000,832; 5,777,306; and

5,875,437.

For example, U.S. patent 6,029,150 discloses a method of payment wherein consumers have an account with an agent. Consumers first interact with a merchant, who identifies the goods offered and the price desired. The consumer then interacts with the agent, and requests that the agent make a payment to the merchant.

However, the merchant could be impersonated and thus payments could be made fraudulently to the wrong person. The 6,029,150 patent, therefore, requires a certifying authority to authenticate both the agent and the merchant. Such a certification system is inherently awkward and undesirable. Moreover, the customer's private and financial information is stored on their local computer and subject to hacker attacks. Also, the system software requires modification of all existing web browsers, and the setup requires the participation of a bank to open a special account. The patented system software can only be used with one computer. Thus there is added unwanted complications and expense, and no protection of the transaction data from theft.

Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to have a system and method which could facilitate transactions and ensure the security of data stored and transmitted, such as credit card information or checking account numbers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved method and system of facilitating transactions in a secure manner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved method and system, which protects the participants from impersonation; provides secure communication over potentially insecure transmission media; enables data to be securely stored on potentially insecure computers; protects the software and encryption used from reverse engineering; and protects against raw data capture.

Briefly, the above and further objects of the present invention are realized by providing a new and improved method and system for facilitating transactions. A method and system facilitates transactions by enabling transactions between and among customers, merchants, automated clearing houses, and credit card processing centers. The inventive system authenticates parties, such as customer, merchant, and Gateway; and encrypts the transmitted information, as well as provides for secure storage of sensitive information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The above and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the system of the present invention; FIG. 2 - are flow chart diagrams of the method of the present invention; and FIG. 5 - 7 are detailed flow chart diagrams of the Gateway/Encryption/Decryption Device communication of the method of FIGS. 2 - 4.

BESTMODEFORCARRYINGOUTTHEINVENTION

The present invention will now be described in general terms to provide an overview of the inventive method. A. System Components

An embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to FIG. 1 wherein a tamper resistant electronic authentication and transaction system 10 is shown and is constructed according to the present invention. The system generally indicated at 10 works with a customer computer 12 associated with certain information stored on Gateway servers 14 that store the information necessary to identify the customer and complete a transaction between the customer and either an online merchant 32, a conventional merchant 34, or another customer (not shown) over a potentially insecure medium. In preferred embodiments, the system 10 operates by using a customer's handheld personal identification device (PID) 16 such as a key or card connected in communication with the customer computer 12; by means of an incorporated intermediary Encryption/Decryption Device (EDD) negotiate communication between the personal identification device and the Gateway servers 14.

Each customer has private information that he or she wishes to use to transact with another party. This information is distributed on a plurality of servers such as servers 21 and 23 of the Gateway system servers 14. Where the private information involves financial information needed to negotiate authorization of payment and payment to an merchant, the Gateway servers 14 assemble the private information and transmit it to a processing center or credit card clearing house 25 for authorization and payment. In this regard, the clearing house 25 communicates with one of a possible number of different credit card companies, such a companies 27 and 29, depending upon the credit card of the customer. After the customer signs up for the system's service, the customer is given the personal identification device 16 and encryption decryption device 18. The encryption decryption device 18 is connected to a free port on the customer's computer 12. Although the customer is given an encryption decryption device 18 and a personal identification device 16, his or her personal identification devices may be used with any encryption decryption device.

The encryption decryption device 18 is used to negotiate digital signals between the Gateway servers 14 and the personal identification device 16. The encryption decryption device 18 stores a serial number specific to that encryption decryption device and an additional changing code which is specific to that encryption decryption device. The personal identification device 16 contains a serial number and an additional changing code, each of which are specific to that customer. The serial number and additional code are used to authenticate the user of the personal identification device. Additionally, the customer preferably answers random password question or ultimate challenge question password that are based upon information predefined by the customer, but a personal identification number, fixed password or other identifying information may also be used.

Where a transaction involves a customer and an online merchant computer 32, the customer's web browser stored in the computer 12 and optional software, the personal identification device 16 and the encryption decryption device 18 are used to communicate with the Gateway server. No modification of the web browser is needed. The online merchant only needs nominal additional software that is added to the online merchant's "shopping cart" to communicate with the Gateway server and provide the Gateway server with the merchant identity, the transaction information, and the method in which to contact the customer. Where a transaction involves a customer and a conventional merchant such as a retail merchant 34, an encryption decryption device 36 with a digital display 38, a keypad 41, a printer (not shown) and an Internet enabled communication device 43 is used to negotiate the transaction in preferred embodiments. In this case, the customer connects his or her personal identification device 45 to the encryption decryption device 36, and the encryption decryption device connects with the Gateway servers 14 via an internet service provider 47 directly and display communications from the Gateway on its display. The customer then responds to the Gateway server 14, which requests via the keypad 41 on the encryption decryption device 36. When the Gateway server authenticates the user and completes the transaction, the Gateway server sends the result to the conventional merchant via the encryption decryption device 18. The conventional merchant's system would only require a nominal amount of software to provide the transaction information and receive the transaction results.

In other embodiments of the system, software is built into the conventional merchant's computer (not shown) to perform the transaction. In addition, the encryption decryption device 36 may be connected to the serial port or other port of the conventional merchant's computer (not shown), and use as communication device built into its computer to communicate with the Gateway server 14. The conventional merchant's computer screen (not shown) and keyboard (not shown) are used to permit communication between the Gateway servers and the customer. The result of the transaction is then reported directly to the conventional merchant's computer.

In either embodiment, a conventional merchant's personal identification device may be connected to the same encryption decryption device or a different encryption decryption device. With reference to FIG. 1 , the inventive method will now be described in general terms. When a customer orders goods or services from an online merchant, the customer contacts the merchant's website via the Internet and selects goods or services. The merchant then sends a data packet containing the transaction information to the Gateway system servers via the Internet or other form of communication. This transaction information includes the merchant identification information, the transaction amount and the customer IP number to the Gateway system servers 14.

Merchant connects the customer to the Gateway server via hyperlink. Thereafter, the Gateway system servers 14 sends a request validation signal from a secured transaction contact server 56 of the Gateway system servers 14. In this regard, the device 18 of the customer computer 12 and the secured transaction contact server 56 negotiate an encryption for this transaction and the device 18 acts as a conduit which enables the server to read and write to the personal identification device 16. The customer's personal identification device such as a key or card, contains the identification and a transaction code which is created anew each time it is used. In this regard, a variable transaction code and identification number are sent to the transaction contact server for authentication purposes.

The transaction information is stored partially in different ones of the secured transaction processing servers, such as the servers 21 and 22. In a transaction involving payment of goods or services, the Gateway system servers compile the complete transaction information including the customer specified payment information in volatile memory (not shown) and that is transmitted in its complete form to the credit card clearing house 25 or check clearing house, which in turn communicates with the selected one of the credit card companies, such as the company 27, a bank or other financial institution. In other embodiments, the compiled transaction information and financial information is sent directly to the credit card company, bank or other financial institution. As a result, the financial transaction is then either accepted or rejected. Assuming that it is accepted, a transaction validation signal is then sent from the Gateway system servers 14 to the merchant computer 32 and to the customer computer to indicate that the financial institution is validated.

B. The inventive Method

1. Identifying the Customer and System Gateway

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the customer logs on to the Gateway website servers and enters his or her name and address and possibly his or her email address. The customer is then sent an Encryption/Decryption Device and a Personal Information Device if he or she does not already have one. In the 10 preferred embodiment, the encryption decryption device and the personal information device are separate hardware devices. However, as will become apparent to those skilled in the art, it is equally possible to combine the two into one device. On a different day, the customer is mailed an activation code. At this point, the customer does not know if the system Gateway server has been impersonated, and the Gateway does not know yet if the customer has been impersonated.

The customer receives the encryption decryption device and personal identification device, logs onto the website server specified in the package and downloads software which enables communication with a serial port or other port on the customer's computer. The software also detects software on the customer's computer which may be enabled to capture keystrokes and/or information on the screen. Reverse engineering the software would yield nothing of value, nor will it enable unauthorized access to the encryption decryption device or personal identification device. The customer installs the software.

2. Authenticating the Customer and System Gateway The customer receives the activation code and activation URL in the mail. The customer logs onto the system Gateway activation website servers and enters his or her activation code. Software on the Gateway website displays the customer information screen, commumcates with the encryption decryption device and verifies the encryption decryption device serial number. The Gateway website software initiates an encryption scheme to be used for this transaction. The ability to encrypt and decrypt is programmed (hard wired) into the encryption decryption device chip (not shown) along with its serial number. If the Gateway website server is impersonated, the encryption decryption device and Gateway website server would not be able to communicate. When the encryption decryption device and the system Gateway server have successfully established the encrypted link, a changing transaction code is written to the encryption decryption device and stored in its internal, secure non-volatile memory (not shown).

The encryption decryption device now verifies the personal identification device with the Gateway server and initializes its transaction code. In preferred embodiments, light emitting diodes (not shown) on the encryption decryption device tell the customer whether he or she is connected to a valid Gateway server or other website server. A red LED acts as a pilot and lights when communication and encryption are being established. The red LED extinguishes and a green LED illuminates steadily to indicate a successful connection. If the Gateway server or website server is being impersonated, the red LED flashes. Other LED codes can be used to communicate other events or status. At this stage in the process, the mailing address has now been verified by the activation code. The encryption decryption device has been verified by the Gateway server. The personal identification device has been verified by the encryption decryption device and the Gateway server. The Gateway server has been verified by the encryption decryption device and the customer. Using the activated encryption decryption device and personal identification device, the customer logs into his or her account and enters the following information: additional personal information that the customer may want disseminated to others, a series of questions and answers that are used later to generate random password question questions to be used in place of a Personal Identification Number (PIN); a series of questions and answers used later in the event of a subsequent random password question failure (ultimate challenge question password); additional email addresses; partial card (credit and or debit) numbers; partial bank account numbers; and other private information.

The customer is then provided, by email, a telephone number and one-time password to use with the call. The customer calls the number provided, enters the one time password and the balance of the card and bank account numbers on the telephone keypad.

The Gateway server requests an AVS check from all the credit and debit card companies to verify the customer's name, address, and credit card accounts. If the AVS check passes, the Gateway charges the customer's bank account for the service, thereby verifying the checking account name, number and bank. If the bank account charges correctly, the customer is considered valid. 3. Making a Purchase

The present invention provides an improved method of making a purchase whether that purchase in made online or in a conventional store. a. Making an online purchase

In preferred embodiments of the invention, after a customer has selected the goods or services he or she desires online at a merchant's website, the merchant contacts the Gateway server and transmits the merchant identification information, the purchase amount and the customer's IP address. The merchant then connects the customer to the Gateway server of the system 10 via a hyperlink used to connect with the Gateway server, and optionally includes his or her information passed as a command line parameter that transmits the same data packet.

The Gateway server communicates with the customer's encryption decryption device and establishes an encryption system to be used for this transaction. If the encryption system cannot be negotiated, the customer clicks back to the merchant's website and clicks on a "Bad Connection" link which tells the merchant the Gateway server did not authenticate. If the encryption system does authenticate, the personal identification device is verified and used to authenticate this customer. The customer is asked a random question from his or her stored question and answer pool as opposed to a fixed password or personal identification number, (e.g. What is the 3rd letter of the answer to: What is my mother's maiden name?) The customer is then asked to authenticate the merchant. At this point, the transaction may be cancelled by the merchant based upon a percentage which is the number of disputed transactions divided by the total number of transactions for this customer.

The merchant's account on the Gateway server may pre-define an authorized percentage that may be used to determine whether to transact with this customer. In the preferred embodiment, the merchant has a "percentage" value displayed to the customer along with the transaction information, representing the number of disputed transactions divided by the total number of transactions for this merchant. If the customer decides not to authorize the transaction, the transaction is discontinued and the merchant notified of the event by the Gateway server. If the customer authorizes the transaction, the customer then selects a payment method (checking account, credit card, debit card, etc.). If the payment method selected fails, the customer is asked to select an alternate means of payment. The merchant is then authenticated via the merchant's IP address and also a secure socket layer authentication from a certifying authority if possessed by the merchant, and then notified of the transaction result. The merchant is also sent information about the customer that is either predetermined by the customer or selected by the customer after payment authorization is successful. b. Alternative embodiment - making a conventional purchase

As an alternative embodiments of the invention, a transaction can be completed in a conventional store or restaurant according to the inventive method. After a customer has selected the goods or services he or she desires at a conventional merchant's store, the customer inserts his or her personal identification device in the store's point of sale device (POS), which is an encryption decryption device combined with embedded Internet access.

Optimally, the merchant or particular employee also has a personal identification device, which must be present and must also validate. The encryption decryption device connects with the Gateway server. The encryption decryption device is validated and then both the customer's personal identification device and the merchant's personal identification device are validated.

The customer is asked his or her random password question. If successful, he or she is prompted to validate the merchant and the amount. The transaction is then processed and the outcome returned. If the charge is denied, the customer may select an alternate means of payment. The Merchant is then notified of the outcome of the transaction. C. The System Protocol

The tamper resistant electronic identification and transaction system operates according to the following protocol (described in FIG. 1). 1. Between Customer and Gateway Server

In preferred embodiments of the system, the customer communicates with the Gateway server via the Gateway website using a personal identification device and an encryption decryption device. The Gateway server first authenticates the encryption decryption device by recognizing the encryption decryption device's serial number and transaction code. The encryption decryption device then authenticates the Gateway server by the encryption scheme used by the Gateway. If the Gateway server authenticates, the encryption decryption device and the Gateway server calculate a new transaction code and a new encryption scheme. Preferably, LEDs on the encryption decryption device indicate to the customer whether he is connected to a valid website. A red LED acts as a pilot and lights when communication and encryption are being established. The red LED is extinguished and a green LED comes on steadily to indicate a successful connection. If the Gateway or the merchant's website are being impersonated, the red LED will flash. Other LED codes can be used. For example, a flashing red LED could be used to indicate that the Gateway is being impersonated, a flashing green LED could be used to indicate that the merchant is being impersonated, both flashing could indicate a defective personal identification device, and the absence of any lit LED could be used to indicate a defective encryption decryption device.

The encryption decryption device then transmits the personal identification devices serial number and transaction code to the Gateway and the Gateway uses the serial number and transaction code to identify and authenticate the customer. The customer is then asked to answer a random password question created using questions and answers previously provided by the customer. In some situations, an ultimate challenge question is needed, consisting of special questions and answers that are only used under certain circumstances such as reactivation of a personal identification device.

2. Between Customer and Merchant

In preferred embodiments of the system, the customer selects goods and services at the online merchant's website using the customer's standard web browser. The online merchant communicates with the customer using a web server connected to a network such as the Internet. Authentication of the online merchant and authentication of the customer are performed between the online merchant and the Gateway and between the customer and the Gateway. In preferred embodiments of the system, authentication of the conventional merchant and authentication of the customer are performed between the conventional merchant and the Gateway and between the customer and the Gateway. No particular protocol is required between the conventional merchant and customer.

3. Between Online Merchant and Gateway Servers

In preferred embodiments of the system, the online merchant communicates with the Gateway via a web server connected to the Internet. The online merchant is authenticated by the Gateway via the online merchant's IP and optionally a secure socket layer authentication from a certified authority. The online merchant's IP address is validated on the nameservers. The Gateway is authenticated to the online merchant by the customer's encryption decryption device when involved in a transaction with a customer. Otherwise, the online merchant uses a personal identification device and encryption decryption device to communicate with the Gateway and the Gateway is authenticated by the online merchant's encryption decryption device in the same manner as the protocol between a customer and a Gateway. 4. Between Conventional Merchant and Gateway Servers

In preferred embodiments of the system, when the conventional merchant is involved in a transaction with a customer, the Gateway is authenticated by the conventional merchant's encryption decryption device in the same manner as the protocol between a customer and a Gateway, and the customer authenticates the conventional merchant.

If not involved in a transaction with a customer, the conventional merchant uses a personal identification device and encryption decryption device to communicate with the Gateway. The Gateway is authenticated by the conventional merchant's encryption decryption device in the same manner as the protocol between a customer and a Gateway. The conventional merchant is authenticated by the conventional merchant's personal identification device serial number and transaction code.

5. Between Customer and Customer

In preferred embodiments of the system, each customer is using a personal identification device and an encryption decryption device. Each customer's personal identification device and encryption decryption device are authenticated by the Gateway and the Gateway is authenticated in the same manner as the protocol between a customer and a Gateway. Optionally, customer to customer transactions may be performed using a single encryption decryption device with two or more personal identification devices connectors.

D. Detailed Description of System Components 1. The Gateway

In preferred embodiments of the system, the Gateway server 14 maintains a number of servers and databases that store each online merchant's information, each conventional merchant's information, each customer's information, personal identification device serial numbers, personal identification device transaction codes, encryption decryption device serial numbers, encryption decryption device transaction codes, and all transaction information.

Each online merchant, conventional merchant and customer is assigned one or more accounts that is preferably accessed using a personal identification device, an encryption decryption device and preferably a random password question, but a fixed password or personal identification number stored on the Gateway servers may also be used.

The online merchant and conventional merchant information includes merchant name, billing address, bank information, merchant account information, email address, telephone and fax numbers, contact names, private information, password information and other necessary information. The private information may include the online merchant's bank account information, which is stored on different Gateway servers in the same manner as customer's private information is stores, as discussed below.

The customer information stored on Gateway servers includes personal information, private information, random password question information, ultimate question information, and other password or personal identification number information. The personal information includes the customer's name, phone number, email address, billing address, and other customer provided information. The random password question information includes questions and answers provided by customer either at sign up or at any other time when the customer accesses his account. The random password question information is used as part of identifying the customer. The ultimate challenge question questions are questions and answers provided by the customer at sign up and can be changed at any time by the customer by accessing his personal Gateway account. The ultimate challenge question questions are used in situations where the personal identification device is not validating properly or the customer has missed a random password question.

The private information includes the customer's credit card numbers, debit card numbers, bank account information, other payment or financial information, medical information or records, and other private information. The customer's private information is stored on two or more servers and encrypted using a unique nonsequential encryption code, to prevent tampering. The customer provides portions of each item of private information online, over the phone, by mail, and/or by fax. Preferably, different modes are used to transmit separate portions of each item of information to ensure security. Private information received online is encrypted and stored on one or more servers, and private information received over the phone using the telephone keypad or other method is encrypted and stored on a separate server or servers. Personal identification device serial numbers, encrypted personal identification device codes, encryption decryption device serial numbers, and encrypted encryption decryption device codes are also stored on the Gateway servers. Software on the Gateway servers uses the personal identification device serial numbers and encrypted personal identification device transactions codes to validate the personal identification device and identify and authenticate the customer. Software on the Gateway servers uses the encryption decryption device serial number and encrypted encryption decryption device transaction code to validate the encryption decryption device and identify the model of the encryption decryption device to the Gateway. Being able to distinguish the model of encryption decryption device allows the Gateway to upgrade to new encryption decryption devices without losing the ability to communicate to older models of encryption decryption devices.

The information stored is encrypted under a private encryption system which differs for each customer, encryption decryption device, personal identification device, and merchant. This is done so that if any one part of the information is breached, the rest of the information is still protected. The software used on the Gateway can also be distributed on more than one location and chained so that more than one program is required to complete a transaction. Reverse engineering one program will not provide the information necessary to unencrypt or locate stored data. One or more software programs on the Gateway servers 14 are responsible for performing certain unique tasks. One or more software programs maintain communications between the Gateway servers and an merchant and maintain communications between the Gateway and the customer computer. One or more software programs authenticate the identity of the customer, the online merchant or the conventional merchant. One or more software programs receive merchant identity numbers, transaction information, customer IP address, and other necessary information from the merchant, contacting the customer's IP address, and displaying the transaction information and merchant identity to the customer for approval. Where a transaction involves payment for goods or servers, one or more software programs assemble the customer's private information in volatile memory and transmit it to the credit card processing company, credit card company, Automated Clearing House, bank or other financial institution for verification and authorization of payment. One or more software programs report the results of the credit card processing company or automated clearing house back to the customer and the merchant. One or more software programs receive personal information selected by the customer to be given to the merchant and transmit the personal information and the transaction results to the merchant. Optionally, if a credit card company or other financial institution wished to completely remove the credit or debit card number or bank account number from the Internet transaction and use a numbering system devised by the Gateway software, then the Gateway servers would use the number devised in place of the credit card or debit card numbers or bank account numbers.

2. An Online Merchant

In preferred embodiments of the system, the online merchant is a merchant who possesses or shares a network server which is connectable to a network such as the Internet, possesses a website, and offers goods or services to other businesses or consumers.

The online merchant website also possesses software, such as a "shopping cart," to transact with the customer and allow the customer to select the merchant's goods or services.

The online merchant's software contains additional code to permit the online merchant's website to transact with the Gateway. The software transmits the online merchant's merchant identity, the transaction information, and the IP address of the customer to the Gateway. After the customer completes the transaction with the Gateway, the software then receives and stores a transmission from the Gateway containing the result of the transaction.

The online merchant also possesses one or more personal identification devices and encryption decryption devices to permit the online merchant's employees to access the online merchant's account on the Gateway website. 3. A Conventional Merchant

In preferred embodiments of the system, the conventional merchant is a conventional retail merchant that offers goods or services to other businesses or consumers usually with a physical store. The conventional merchant has the communication device 43 and conventional accounting software. If the encryption decryption device does not possess add-ons (e.g., display, keypad, printer, communication device), the encryption decryption device is connected to a port of the conventional merchant's computer and uses a communication device built into the conventional merchant's computer (not shown) to communicate with the Gateway. The conventional merchant's computer screen and keyboard are used to permit communication between the Gateway and the customer. Additional software is built into the conventional merchant's accounting software to transmit the merchant 26 identity and transaction information and record the transaction results. The conventional merchant also possesses one or more encryption decryption devices to permit the conventional merchant's employees to access the conventional merchant's account on the Gateway website. 4. A Customer

A customer can be an individual, a business, or other entity. a. An individual as customer - a personal account

In preferred embodiments of the system, where the customer is an individual, the customer signs up for a personal account with the Gateway, provides personal, private, random password question, and ultimate challenge question password information, and receives a unique personal identification device and encryption decryption device. The customer uses the personal identification device and encryption decryption device to update the customer's account or accounts and transact with online merchant's, conventional merchant's or other customers or entities. The personal identification device works with any encryption decryption device. More then one customer may be allowed to a personal account. This is achieved by assigning more than one serial number and transaction code on a personal identification device to the personal account. The individual who establishes the account can authorize access, control what is accessed and deny access to the information on the personal account. b. A business as customer - a business account

Where the customer is a business, the person authorized to sign checks and to charge items to that business' s credit accounts (the signatory) must sign up for a business account with the Gateway system 10, provide the business' s general information, the business' s private information, random password question information, ultimate challenge question password question, and certain documentation from the business authorizing the opening of a Gateway account and use of the private information.

The general information includes the businesses name, address, telephone and fax numbers, email, etc. The random password question and ultimate challenge question password could include any questions and answers the signatory desires, including the same questions and answers the signatory uses on a personal Gateway account. No one other than the signatory will ever have access to view or update the random password question or ultimate challenge question password question information. If the signatory desires to allow additional employees to view the transaction history, a section in the business account permits the signatory to list the names of additional employees to whom he desires to allow access and create one or more questions and answers to be used during employee activation.

A single personal identification device can possess more than one personal identification device serial number and personal identification device transaction code, which can be assigned to more than one personal and/or business customer account. In addition, each account can have different levels and areas of access depending upon the assigned personal identification device serial number. As such, the signatory can select how each employee may access the business account, including which items of private information may be used, any limits on the total dollar amount that may be charged or debited, what items of the general information may be updated by the employee and whether or not the transaction information may be viewed by that person.

A personal identification device and encryption decryption device may be mailed to the signatory for each employee listed by the signatory. The employee is authenticated and initializes access to the business account in one of two ways. If the employee already has a personal account, the employee may insert his personal identification device into any encryption decryption device, access his personal account and request to add another account. The employee is then asked to input an activation code that is given by the Gateway to the signatory when he added the employee. When the activation code is entered, the Gateway matches the name on the personal account with the name of the employee authorized by the signatory on the business account. If the name on the personal account does not match an employee name on the business account, the activation code is cancelled and the transaction is declined. If the name matches the name on the business account, the holder of the personal identification device is asked a question created by the signatory. If the holder of the personal identification device answers correctly, an additional new personal identification device serial number and additional new personal identification device transaction code is written to the personal identification device and assigned to the business account. If the employee authorized by the signatory does not already have a personal account, the signatory must gain access to the business account using the signatory's personal identification device and an encryption decryption device with two personal identification device connections (not shown), then go to the "activate an employee" screen. When at the "activate an employee" screen, an inactive personal identification device must be connected to the encryption decryption device simultaneously with signatory's personal identification device. The signatory is then asked to enter the name of the employee to activate and press a submit button. The name of the employee being activated must match a name of an employee already authorized to gain access by the signatory. If the name matches, a new personal identification device serial number and personal identification device transaction code is written to the inactive personal identification device and the signatory is given an activation code. The signatory must then deliver the personal identification device to the employee. The signatory must authenticate the employee when the signatory delivers the personal identification device to the employee. To complete activation of the employee, the employee must logon to the

Gateway using the personal identification device delivered to the employee by the signatory, input the activation code and answer the question created by the signatory. If either the activation code or answering the signatory's question fails, the activation code and activation process is cancelled and the serial number and transaction code of the employee's personal identification device is cancelled. If the activation code passes and the employee answers the signatory's question properly, the employee is then asked to provide random password question and ultimate challenge question password information and general information about the employee. Once the random password question information, ultimate challenge question password question information and general information are completed, the employee is then permitted to create a personal account by adding personal and private information following the procedures of creating a personal account. If the employee decides to do so, an additional new personal identification device serial number and personal identification device transaction code are written to the personal identification device and assigned to a personal account.

Activation of the new personal identification device serial number and personal identification device transaction code follows the same procedures of creating a personal account, requiring mailing of an activation code to the personal billing address of the employee. The employee is then allowed access to his personal account and access to the business account in the manner authorized by the signatory.

No one other than the employee, not even the signatory, will ever have access to view or update the random password question information and ultimate challenge question password question information provided.

The signatory may deny use of the business' private information by an employee at any time simply by modifying the access permitted by the employee in the Gateway business account. The signatory may add or remove employees at any time by accessing the business account.

If the signatory on the account is ever terminated, the new signatory is give a new and unique personal identification device serial number and personal identification device transaction code. The new personal identification device serial number and personal identification device transaction code are assigned to the account as the new signatory, and the personal identification device serial number and personal identification device transaction code used by the former signatory are cancelled. The personal identification device serial number and personal identification device transaction code used by the former signatory may be cancelled at any time, even prior to activation of the new signatory's personal identification device serial number and personal identification device transaction code. When the personal identification device serial number and personal identification device transaction code used by the former signatory is cancelled prior to the new signatory's personal identification device serial number and personal identification device transaction code being activated, the employees authorized access by the former signatory continue to be allowed access until the new signatory denies access or the business faxes authenticated legal documentation denying access to one or more of all of the employees previously allowed access. New employees can only be allowed access by a new signatory.

The business must fax the Gateway's written request, preferably notarized, authorizing the activation, modification or cancellation of a business account. This faxed authorization must be accompanied by a lawful document of the business that identifies the authority of the parties authorizing the activation, modification or cancellation.

5. A Customer

In preferred embodiments of the system, the personal identification device in its simplest form, is an electronic device with memory which can be both read from and written to and requires no electricity to maintain the data. Its embodiments include a key, card, or other handheld configurations.

The personal identification device, such as the device 16, minimally has one or more serial numbers, and one or more encrypted transaction codes, but may store other information as needed or desired. In this embodiment, the personal identification device 16 is a passive device, requiring an encryption decryption device to read from it and write to it.

The encryption decryption device contains a micro controller (not shown), non-volatile memory (not shown) and possibly an Internet enabled device (not shown) such as a modem, Digital Subscriber Line, router, cellular device or other communication device. A unique serial number and initializing code are "hard coded" into the micro controller. Once written, they cannot be changed. It also has non- volatile memory, which is preferably a physical part of the micro controller and not a separate device used to store information.

The encryption decryption device such as the device 18 communicates with the Gateway, authenticates the Gateway and encrypts/decrypts the transaction according to a private key system known only to it and the Gateway software. The private encryption key is changed with each access of the encryption decryption device using a non-sequential key-hopping system known only to the encryption decryption device and the Gateway. The encryption decryption device reads from and writes to the personal identification device according to instructions from the Gateway.

In other embodiments, the encryption decryption device and personal identification device are combined, requiring only a connection to a computer or other Internet enabled device to perform these functions.

The encryption decryption device may also include a digital display, a keypad, a printer, a modem, DSL modem or router, cable modem, cellular device, satellite or other communication device. Where the encryption decryption device includes a keypad, a digital display, and preferably a communication device, the encryption decryption device may also act as an access control device when attached to a security system. The encryption decryption device can connect to a serial or other port on a computer or other Internet enabled device. The encryption decryption device has light emitting diodes (LEDs) to indicate Gateway authentication success or failure, and personal identification device authentication success or failure. Additional LEDs be used to inform the customer that the encryption decryption device is receiving power and/or is being prompted by the Gateway server for personal identification device insertion.

An encryption decryption device can also be configured to accept multiple personal identification devices and can require two or more validated personal identification devices to enable a transaction. For example, an employee personal identification device might be required in an conventional merchant store before a customer personal identification device can be used. Alternatively, a signatory personal identification device may be required to activate an employee's personal identification device.

In an alternative embodiment, information, or portions of information, could be accessible to two different personal identification devices. For example, when a doctor needs to access a customer's medical records in an emergency and the customer is unable to approve the transaction, an encryption decryption device with two personal identification device connectors would allow both to be active at the same time. In this embodiment, the doctor is permitted a one-time limited access to a protected area of the customer's personal account containing the customer's medical record but not his financial information. Both the customer's Gateway account and the doctor's Gateway account would reflect the doctor's access in the transaction history. A multi-personal identification device encryption decryption device would allow transactions using only one personal identification device as well. 6. Version Control

The encryption decryption device devices possess an encryption decryption device serial number. Software on the Gateway servers 14 use these serial numbers to determine which model encryption decryption device is being used. The software can then determine how to communicate with the model encryption decryption device being used to complete the transaction. Certain features or capabilities might only be available to certain devices.

7. Cross Platform Note

Although, the preferred embodiment uses software on the customer computer, it is not required. Communication between the Gateway and the encryption decryption device is accomplished via HTTP and Java. Both the HTTP protocol and

Java applications are executable on most, if not all currently available customer computers able to browse the Internet. This embodiment may not perform properly in some applications. An encryption decryption device may be incorporated into these applications, or connected to an rs232 port it will encrypt the data and secure the transmission. E. Setup and Initialization

1. Personal Account setup Initialization

In preferred embodiments of the system, explained in FIGs. 2 - 4, the customer first inputs a portion of their personal information online in the personal Gateway account setup. The portion of personal information submitted includes the name, address, telephone and fax numbers, email addresses, etc. An activation code is then provided to the customer. If the customer does not already have a personal identification device, and encryption decryption device, those devices are separately mailed. The customer then accesses the Gateway signup website with his encryption decryption device installed. The encryption decryption device serial number is validated against the Gateway encryption decryption device database. The encryption decryption device such as the device 18 and the Gateway servers 14 negotiate an encryption system to be used solely for this transaction using a private key encryption system known only to the encryption decryption device and the Gateway server software. If the negotiation fails, a LED on the encryption decryption device flashes to indicate the failure. A failed negotiation can indicate a defective encryption decryption device, a bad connection to the Gateway server, an impersonated Gateway, an impersonated encryption decryption device, or other fault. If the negotiation is successful, the private key stored in the encryption decryption device's non- volatile memory is updated with a non-sequential private key to be used with the next transaction.

The customer is then prompted to connect his personal identification device to the encryption decryption device and the Gateway verifies the serial number and encrypted transaction code stored on the personal identification device. If the serial number/transaction code information pair fail, the personal identification device's serial number is disabled and the customer is required to obtain an new personal identification device because the most likely reasons for the failure are defective hardware or tampering. In neither circumstance can the system allow reuse of the personal identification device. Alternately, the Customer may be instructed to login to a Technical Support site, which could attempt a complete erasure and re-initialization of the personal identification device.

If the personal identification device validates, a new encryption transaction code is written to the personal identification device's non-volatile memory to be used for the next transaction. The transaction code is encrypted using a non-sequential private key encryption system known only to the Gateway software.

The customer now uses the one-time account activation code to login to the customer's account and activate the personal identification device. If the personal identification device does not activate, a new activation code is mailed or delivered to the customer and assigned to the customer's account. If the personal identification device is activated, the customer is asked to provide password information. There are four types of possible passwords: a random password question, an ultimate challenge question password question, a fixed password, and a personal identification number. Where a random password question is used, the customer completes a random password question form. The random password question form consists of field areas where the customer can input multiple or more questions, and corresponding answers. These question/answer pairs will be used later to validate customer access by asking for a part of the answer to the provided question. As an example, a customer might be prompted with 'What is the 3 ^rd letter of the answer to: "What is my mother's maiden name?'"

Where an ultimate challenge question password question is used, the customer completes an ultimate challenge question password question form. The ultimate challenge question password question form consists of field areas where the customer can input three or more questions and corresponding answers. Input of the customer's random password question and ultimate challenge question password question can occur online at the Gateway website, by mail, by fax, or over the telephone. If the random password questions and/or ultimate challenge question passwords are input online, one or more web browser windows may be opened and the questions and corresponding answers may be input in different windows, stored on different servers, and assembled later when necessary. The customer is then asked to input the customer's private information. In this step, the customer provides the credit card information, debit card information, bank account information, medical information, and any other information he would like transmitted securely. The customer may provide the private information online at the Gateway website, by mail, by fax, by telephone, and by other means of communicating information. Preferably, portions of the credit card, debit card, and bank account information are entered using more than one method. When online, the customer enters the name of each credit card, debit card, and bank account, the corresponding financial institutions, credit card types and or bank account types, then the first twelve or so digits of a credit card or debit card number, and the routing number and first seven or so digits of the bank account number.

After completing the online input of the first portion of private information, the customer is given a one-time password and a telephone number, or a mail in address or facsimile number. The customer must contact the Gateway by telephone using the telephone number provided by the Gateway. The customer is then asked to use the keypad on the telephone to enter the one-time password provided online to the customer by the Gateway. Once the Gateway verifies the password, the Gateway may request the customer to state or keyboard his name to confirm that it is the correct customer associated with that one-time password. If the one-time password lookup or customer confirmation fails, the customer must contact the Gateway through the Gateway website to receive a new one-time password. Once the customer has properly entered a one-time password and the Gateway has confirmed that the customer matches the assigned one-time password, the customer uses the keypad on the telephone to enter the last eight digits or so of every credit card or debit card, and the last seven digits or so of every bank account number.

In order to better authenticate that the customer signing up for the account is the rightful owner or holder of the private information, the one-time account activation password and or the personal identification device and encryption decryption device are mailed to the billing address of one or more of the items of private information. If the shipping address requested by the customer fails to match any of the potential billing address associated with any of the items of private information, the customer is asked to contact one of their financial institutions and change their billing address to where they want the one-time account activation password or personal identification device and encryption decryption device shipped, or they must change the shipping address of the one-time account activation password and/or personal identification device and encryption decryption device to match one or more of billing addresses of the items of private information.

Additional persons can be authorized to access certain information in an account. For example, a parent may wish to allow a child to use the private information of the parent's personal account. In the manner described below for business accounts, a parent could select which items of private information may be used and set a limit on the dollar amount the child may spend and or a time period in which it may be spent. Any of the information being provided during signup can also be accomplished by mail, fax, or other means of communication.

2. Business Account Setup

Setup of a customer desiring a business account occurs as follows.

In preferred embodiments of the system of the system, where the customer is setting up a business account, only a person to whom the business's credit card, debit card or bank accounts are issued (a signatory) may sign up for a business account with the Gateway.

The first stage of the customer setup of a business account involves four steps: providing the business's general information, providing a signatory's random password question information, providing a signatory's ultimate challenge question, and providing the business' private information.

In the first step of setup, the signatory provides the business's general information, including the business's name, address, telephone and fax numbers, email, etc. The first step also includes the business sending a communication by fax, mail or other means of sending a communication, a legal, authenticated document of the business authorizing the setup of the business account and authorizing the signatory to use the private information provided by the signatory. This authentication process can also be required to modify or cancel the business account, or change the signatory on the account. An activation code is then mailed or delivered to the signatory. An encryption decryption device and a personal identification device are presented in a delivery separate from an activation code. Unlike an encryption decryption device shipped during setup of a personal account, an encryption decryption device shipped to a signatory preferably is configured to permit the simultaneous connection of two personal identification devices.

After receiving the new personal identification device and encryption decryption device, the signatory must access the Gateway signup website with his encryption decryption device installed. The encryption decryption device serial number is validated against the Gateway encryption decryption device database. The encryption decryption device and the Gateway negotiate an encryption system to be used for this transaction only using a private key encryption system known only to the encryption decryption device and the Gateway software.

If the negotiation fails, a LED on the encryption decryption device flashes to indicate the failure. A failed negotiation can indicate a defective encryption decryption device, a bad connection to the Gateway server, an impersonated Gateway, an impersonated encryption decryption device or other fault.

If the negotiation is successful, the transaction code stored in the encryption decryption device's non- volatile memory is updated with a non-sequential transactional code to be used with the next transaction. The signatory is prompted to connect his personal identification device to the encryption decryption device and the Gateway verifies the serial number and encrypted transaction code stored on the personal identification device. If the serial number / transaction code information pair fail, the personal identification device's serial number is disabled and the signatory is required to obtain an new personal identification device because the most likely reasons for the failure are defective hardware or tampering. In neither circumstance can the system allow reuse of the personal identification device. Alternately, the Signatory may be instructed to login to a Technical Support site, which could attempt a complete erasure and re-initialization of the personal identification device. If the personal identification device validates, a new encrypted transaction code is written to the personal identification device's non- volatile memory to be used next time. The transaction code is encrypted using a non-sequential private key encryption system known only to the Gateway software.

The signatory then uses the one-time account activation password to login to the business account at the Gateway website and activate the personal identification device. In addition to providing the one-time account activation password, the signatory must enter his name and business name. Optionally, the signatory may create a question and answer during the first step of the setup that is asked now to authenticate the signatory. If the one-time password, the signatory's name or business name do not match, the personal identification device does not activate, and a new activation code is mailed or delivered to the signatory and assigned to the business account. If the personal identification device validates, the signatory is asked to provide his random password question information. The random password question could include any questions and answers he desires, including the same questions and answers he uses on a personal Gateway account.

Next, the signatory provides his ultimate challenge question information. The ultimate challenge question questions also includes any questions and answers the signatory desires, including the same questions and answers the signatory uses on his personal Gateway account. No one other than the signatory a personal identification device is issued will ever be able access to view or update his random password question or ultimate challenge question password information.

The signatory next inputs the business's private information. In this area of the account, the signatory enters the credit card information, debit card information, bank account information, and any other private information the business would like transmitted or stored securely. During this step, where credit card, debit card, and bank account information is entered, the signatory enters the financial institution, the credit card type or bank account type, the first twelve or so digits of a credit card or debit card number, and the routing number and first seven or so digits of the bank account number. The signatory must then contact the Gateway by telephone, mail or facsimile.

The signatory is asked to use the keypad on the telephone to enter one-time password provided to the signatory by the Gateway at the end of the second stage. Once the Gateway verifies the password, the Gateway requests the signatory to state their name to confirm that it is the correct signatory associated with that one-time password. If the one-time password lookup or signatory confirmation fails, the signatory must contact the gateway through the Gateway website to receive a new one-time password. Once the signatory has properly entered a one-time password and the Gateway has confirmed that he signatory matches the assigned one-time password, the signatory uses the keypad on the telephone to enter the last eight digits or so of every credit card or debit card, and the last seven or so digits of every bank account number.

At some point, either during the online set up process above, or after the setup and activation of the account, the signatory may permit additional employees to use the private information and or view the transaction history. If the signatory desires to allow additional employees use of the private information or desires to allow additional employees to view the transaction history, a section in the business account permits the signatory to list the names of additional employees to whom he desires to allow access. Preferably, the signatory can also select how each employee may access the business account, including which items of private information may be used, any limits on the total dollar amount that may be charged or debited, what items of the general information may be updated by the employee and whether or not the transaction may be viewed.

Unless the signatory indicates that the signatory already possesses additional inactivated personal identification devices and encryption decryption devices for the additional employees, a personal identification device and encryption decryption device are mailed to the business billing address for each employee listed by the signatory. The employee is authenticated and initializes access to the business account in one of two ways. If the employee already has a personal account, the employee may insert his personal identification device into any encryption decryption device, access his personal account and request to add another account. The employee is then asked to input an activation code that is given by the Gateway to the signatory when he added the employee. When the activation code is entered, the Gateway matches the name on the personal account with the name of the employee authorized by the signatory on the business account. If the name on the personal account does not match an employee name on the business account, the activation code is cancelled and the transaction is declined. If the name matches the name on the business account, the holder of the personal identification device is asked a question created by the signatory. If the holder of the personal identification device answers correctly, an additional new personal identification device serial number and additional new personal identification device transaction code is written to the personal identification device and assigned to the business account.

If the employee authorized by the signatory does not already have a personal account, the signatory must gain access to the business account using the signatory's personal identification device and an encryption decryption device with two personal identification device connectors, then go to the "activate an employee" screen. When at the "activate an employee" screen, an inactive personal identification device must be connected to the encryption decryption device simultaneously with the signatory's personal identification device. The signatory is then asked to enter the name of the employee to activate and hit a submit button. The name of the employee being activated must match a name of an employee already authorized to gain access by the signatory. If the name matches, a new personal identification device serial number and personal identification device transaction code is written to the inactive personal identification device and the signatory is given an activation code. The signatory must then deliver the personal identification device to the employee. The signatory must authenticate the employee when the signatory delivers the personal identification device to the employee. To complete activation of the employee, the employee must logon to the Gateway using the personal identification device delivered to the employee by the signatory, input the activation code and answer the question created by the signatory. If either the activation code or answering the signatory's question fails, the activation code and activation process is cancelled. If the activation code passes and the employee answers the signatory's question properly, the employee is then asked to provide random password question and ultimate challenge question password information and general information about the employee.

Once the random password question information, ultimate challenge question password and general information are completed, the employee is then permitted to create a personal account by adding personal and private information following the procedures of creating a personal account. If the employee decides to do so, an additional new personal identification device serial number and personal identification device transaction code are written to the personal identification device and assigned to the personal account. Activation of the additional new personal identification device serial number and personal identification device transaction code follows the same procedures of creating a personal account, requiring delivery of an activation code to the personal billing address of the employee. The employee is then allowed access to his personal account and access to the business account (in the manner authorized by the signatory). No one other than that employee, not even the signatory, will ever have access to view or update the random password question and ultimate challenge question password information.

The signatory may deny or limit the use of the private information by an employee at any time simply by modifying the access permitted by the employee in the Gateway business account. The signatory may also input a list of authorized shipping addresses. The signatory may add or remove employees or change what each employee may access at any time by accessing the business account.

If the signatory on the account is ever terminated, the new signatory must be issued a new personal identification device with a new serial number and transaction code. The new signatory must also input random password question and ultimate challenge question password information. The personal identification device serial number and personal identification device transaction code assigned to the old signatory is cancelled.

Any of the information being provided during signup can also be accomplished by mail, fax or other means of communication. 3. Merchant Setup

In preferred embodiments of the system, the merchant account setup occurs in three stages.

The first stage is similar to that of setting up a customer business account. An authorized signatory of the merchant must provide the same general information, private information, random password question information, and ultimate password information as the signatory of a customer business account. The credit or debit card information and checking account information of the merchant are optional, but the signatory must provide merchant banking information so that the Gateway can process transactions with customers and provide payment to the merchant. The merchant signatory first provides the merchant's general information, including the merchant's name, address, telephone and fax numbers, email, etc. The merchant must send a communication by fax, mail or other means of sending a communication a legal, authenticated document authorizing the setup of the merchant account and authorizing the merchant signatory to use the private information provided by the merchant signatory. This authentication process can also be required to modify or cancel the business account, or change the merchant signatory on the account.

The merchant signatory is then mailed or delivered an activation code and an encryption decryption device and personal identification device in separate deliveries. Unlike an encryption decryption device shipped during signup of a personal account, an encryption decryption device shipped to an merchant signatory preferably has two personal identification device connectors for the connection of two personal identification devices.

After receiving the new personal identification device and encryption decryption device, the merchant signatory must access the Gateway signup website with his encryption decryption device installed. The encryption decryption device serial number is validated against the Gateway encryption decryption device database. The encryption decryption device and the Gateway negotiate an encryption system to be used for this transaction only using a private key encryption system known only to the encryption decryption device and the Gateway software.

If the negotiation fails, a LED on the encryption decryption device flashes to indicate the failure. A failed negotiation can indicate a defective encryption decryption device, a bad connection to the Gateway server, an impersonated Gateway, an impersonated encryption decryption device or other fault. If the negotiation is successful, the transaction code stored in the encryption decryption device's nonvolatile memory is updated with a non-sequential transaction code to be used with the next transaction.

The merchant signatory is prompted to connect his personal identification device to the encryption decryption device and the Gateway verifies the serial number and encrypted transaction code stored on the personal identification device. If the serial number / transaction code information pair fail, the personal identification device's serial number is disabled and the merchant signatory is required to obtain an new personal identification device because the most likely reasons for the failure are defective hardware or tampering. In neither circumstance can the system allow reuse of the personal identification device. Alternately, the merchant signatory may be instructed to login to a Technical Support site, which could attempt a complete erasure and re-initialization of the personal identification device.

If the personal identification device validates, a new encrypted transaction code is written to the personal identification device's non- volatile memory to be used next time. The transaction code is encrypted using a non-sequential private key encryption system known only to the Gateway software.

The merchant signatory now uses the one-time account activation password to login to the merchant account at the Gateway's website and activate the personal identification device. In addition to providing the one-time account activation password, the merchant signatory must enter his name and business name. Optionally, the merchant signatory may create a question and answer during the first step of the setup that is asked now to authenticate the merchant signatory. If the onetime password, the merchant signatory's name or business name do not match, the personal identification device does not activate, and a new activation code is mailed or delivered to the merchant signatory and assigned to the merchant account. If the personal identification device validates, the merchant signatory is asked to provide his random password question information. The random password question could include any questions and answers he desires, including the same questions and answers he uses on a personal Gateway account. Next, the merchant signatory provides his ultimate challenge question information. The ultimate challenge question questions also includes any questions and answers the merchant signatory desires, including the same questions and answers the merchant signatory uses on his personal Gateway account. No one other than the merchant signatory a personal identification device is issued to will ever be allowed access to view or update his random password question or ultimate challenge question password information.

The merchant signatory then inputs the merchant's private information. In this area of the account, the merchant signatory has the option of entering the credit card information, debit card information, bank account information (checking or savings), and any other private information the merchant would like transmitted or stored securely. More importantly, the merchant signatory inputs the merchant bank account information.

During this step, where credit card, debit card, and bank account information (checking, savings, or merchant banking) is entered, the merchant signatory enters the financial institution, the credit card type or bank account type, the first twelve or so digits of a credit card or debit card number, and the routing number and first seven or so digits of the bank account number.

The merchant signatory must then contact the Gateway by telephone, mail or facsimile. The merchant signatory is asked to se the keypad on the telephone to enter a one-time password provided to the merchant signatory by the Gateway at the end of the second stage. Once the Gateway verifies the password, the Gateway requests the merchant signatory to state their name to confirm that it is correct merchant signatory associated with that one-time password. If the one-time password lookup or merchant signatory confirmation fails, the merchant signatory must contact the Gateway through the Gateway website to receive a new one-time password. Once the merchant signatory has properly entered a one-time password and the Gateway has confirmed that the merchant signatory matches the assigned one-time password, the merchant signatory uses the keypad on the telephone to enter the last eight digits or so of every credit card or debit card, and the last seven or so digits of every bank account number. At some point, either during the online set up process above, or after the setup and activation of the account, the merchant signatory may permit additional employees to use the private information and or view the transaction history. If the merchant signatory desires to allow additional employees use of the private information or desires to allow additional employees to view the transaction history, a section in the merchant account permits the merchant signatory to list the names of additional employees to whom he desires to allow access. Preferably, the merchant signatory can also select how each employee may access the merchant account, including which items of private information may be used, any limits on the total dollar amount that may be charged or debited, what items of the general information may be updated by the employee and whether or not the transaction information may be viewed.

Setup of the additional employees for a merchant account is done the same manner as the setup of additional employees of a customer business account.

The second stage of the setup involves providing an authorization for the Gateway to process credit card, debit card and bank account transactions for the merchant. The merchant must agree to the terms of the merchant agreement provided by the Gateway on the Gateway website and provide it to the Gateway. In addition to the merchant agreement, the merchant must provide a copy of a legal document authenticating the merchant such as a business license, federal tax identification number, or similar document. The third stage involves integrating the Gateway software into the online merchant's shopping cart, or implementing the Gateway software with the conventional merchant's accounting software if needed. This software is meant to permit communications between the Gateway, online merchant, conventional merchant and/or customer. Where the Gateway software is to be implemented with an online merchant's shopping cart, the Gateway software contains code that must be inserted in the Merchant's shopping cart program. The Gateway software is used to authenticate the online merchant and transmit and receive communications between the online merchant and the Gateway. The online merchant may download the transaction history from the Gateway website in a comma delimited or other file format so that the data may be imported into the online merchant's accounting software. The merchant software is not necessary if the merchant chooses to have the Gateway handle his customer purchases for him. In this scenario, the merchant has pre-defined product service pages stored on the Gateway. The merchant simply hyperlinks the customer to that page to enable the Gateway to process the transaction in this behalf.

Where the conventional merchant's accounting software requires additional Gateway software to permit commumcations between the conventional merchant, Gateway and customer, and automatically receive data into the accounting software, the conventional merchant must install the appropriate Gateway software depending upon the name and version of the conventional merchant's accounting software. Additional Gateway software is not required where the conventional merchant uses a standalone encryption decryption device to process transactions. A standalone encryption decryption device can possess a keypad, digital display, printer, communication device, and other options. The conventional merchant also has the option of downloading the transaction history from the Gateway website in a comma delimited or other file format so that the data may be imported into the conventional merchant's accounting software.

The fourth stage involves the merchant contacting the merchant's bank and setting up merchant services with the Gateway or contacting the merchant's bank and switching Gateway services. Most of this stage is performed between the online merchant, conventional merchant and the bank and between the bank and the Gateway.

The fifth stage of the online merchant account activation involves changing the online merchant's name server address to that of the Gateway. Once the name server addresses are switched to the Gateway, the account is activated and the Gateway can begin taking orders on behalf of the online merchant. F. Operation of the System

1. Customer Transaction with Online Merchant In preferred embodiments of the system with reference to FIGS. 5 - 1, prior to a transaction occurring, the customer must select the items or services the customer desires and press a checkout link on the online merchant's website. Two different checkout buttons can exist on the online merchant's website, a checkout button for those who possess a personal identification device and a checkout button for those who do not possess a personal identification device and wish to transact using traditional methods that can also be handled by the Gateway using traditional methods.

When a customer with a personal identification device presses the personal identification device checkout button, the Gateway software implemented with the online merchant's shopping cart packets the transaction amount, the identity of the goods or services selected by the customer, the merchant identity and the customer's IP address. The packet of information is then transmitted to the Gateway. The Gateway then authenticates the merchant by analyzing the merchant's IP address and nameserver address. If the merchant has no software installed, the authentication process still applies.

The customer is connected to the Gateway servers via a hyperlink to the Gateway website. A customer can be an individual, business or other entity. Once contact with the customer is established, the Gateway servers attempt to identify and authenticate the customer. The Gateway server contacts the encryption decryption device being used by the customer and requests the encryption decryption device serial number. That number is verified in the encryption decryption device database and a request for the encryption decryption device to send its transaction code is sent using the current encryption scheme. If the encryption scheme is correct, the encryption decryption device calculates the next transaction code and encrypts it using the next scheme and sends it along with the current transaction code using the current encryption scheme. The Gateway calculates the next scheme and unencrypts the next transaction code using that scheme. If the next transaction code is incorrect, the transaction is terminated and the encryption decryption device flagged as invalid in the encryption decryption device database.

Preferably, LEDS on the encryption decryption device tell the customer whether he is connected to a valid Gateway server. A red LED acts as a pilot and lights when communication and encryption are being established. The red LED is extinguished and a green LED lights steadily to indicate a successful connection. If the website is being impersonated, the red LED will flash.

The personal identification device is inserted in an encryption decryption device upon the request of the Gateway servers. The encryption decryption device then reads the personal identification device serial number and personal identification device encrypted transaction code, encrypts the personal identification device serial number and personal identification encrypted transaction code, then transmits the encrypted personal identification device serial number and personal identification device encrypted transaction code to the Gateway server. The Gateway receives the encrypted personal identification device serial number and personal identification device encrypted transaction code and unencrypts them. The Gateway first locates the personal identification device serial number in the personal identification device database then authenticates the transaction code stored in the personal identification device. If no matching personal identification device serial number is found, or the transaction code does not validate, the transaction is cancelled and the customer and online merchant are notified. If the personal identification device transaction code validates, the Gateway servers calculates the next non-sequential transaction code, encrypts it and writes it to the personal identification device. The transaction code is read back and verified before continuing with the transaction.

If the personal identification device encryption code does not validate, the previous personal identification device encryption code is compared to the current personal identification device encryption code. If they match, the transaction continues but the Gateway servers' personal identification device serial number database is flagged with a duplicate personal identification device encryption code marker if the database was not already flagged. If the database was already flagged, the personal identification device is marked as invalid in the database and the customer is notified of the deactivation. The customer is then offered an opportunity to activate a new personal identification device by answering an ultimate challenge question, described below from a group of ultimate challenge question questions he entered when he signed up. If he fails the ultimate challenge question, or all the questions have already been asked, the customer's account is flagged and will allow no further transactions, the online merchant is notified, and an activation code and

URL address is then delivered to the billing address of the customer of the personal identification device. To reactivate the account, the customer must access the Gateway website at the URL, insert the customer's personal identification device into the encryption decryption device, provide the activation code, and answer an ultimate challenge question. Provided the activation code is correct and the ultimate challenge question is answered correctly, a new serial number and transaction code are written to the customer's personal identification device.

If the personal identification device encryption code validates, the customer is then asked to answer one or more random password questions created using questions and answers previously provided by the customer. If the customer fails to answer the random question correctly, the customer is asked one or more additional random password question questions. If the customer fails to answer the second set of random password questions correctly, the serial number and transaction code associated with that personal identification device are flagged and will allow no further transactions and the online merchant is notified. An activation code is then delivered to the billing address of the customer of the personal identification device. To reactivate the account, the customer must access the Gateway website, insert the customer's personal identification device into the encryption decryption device, provide the activation code, and answer an ultimate challenge question. Provided the activation code is correct and the ultimate challenge question is answered correctly, a new serial number and transaction code are written to the customer's personal identification device.

If the customer answers the random password questions correctly, the Gateway then uses the information provided by the online merchant and requests that the customer verify the transaction information and online merchant. If the online merchant is authenticated by the customer, the transaction may be cancelled by the online merchant based upon a percentage which relates to the number of disputed transaction divided by the number of transaction for this customer. The online merchant selects which percentages are acceptable in the online merchant's Gateway merchant account. If the customer does not accept the transaction information or cancels the transaction, the customer is sent back to the online merchant's website. If the customer approves the transaction information, and desires to complete the transaction, the customer is asked which account the customer would like to use if there is more than one account, and which type of payment the customer would like to use if there is more than one payment type. The Gateway then assembles the customer's payment type and online merchant's merchant bank information on its servers in secure volatile memory along with the transaction amount, and sends it to the appropriate company or financial institution for payment authorization or processing. If the payment is authorized or processed, the customer and the merchant are notified via each party's respective IP address. If the payment is declined or not authorized, the customer is asked if he wishes to select a different payment type or to cancel the transaction. If the transaction is cancelled, the online merchant is notified using the online merchant's IP address. If a new payment type is selected, the Gateway again attempts to obtain authorization or payment. If no payment type works, the transaction is cancelled by the Gateway and both the customer and the online merchant are notified via each party's respective IP address.

2. Customer Transaction with Conventional Merchant

In preferred embodiments of the system, prior to a transaction occurring, the customer must select the items or services the customer desires and request to pay for the selected goods or services. The employee then enters the transaction information into the conventional merchant's point of sale system (accounting software) and the method of payment of the customer. If the transaction involves cash, the customer gives the cash to the employee and the sale is complete. If the transaction involves debit or credit, the accounting software requests whether the customer wishes to use a personal identification device, a smart card, or a magstripe card.

If the customer wishes to use a smart card or a magstripe card, the smart card or magstripe card are passed through the smart card or magstripe reader on the encryption decryption device. The encryption decryption device then connects to the Gateway server through a communication device. Once connected to the Gateway's server, the server attempts to authenticate the encryption decryption device.

The Gateway server contacts the encryption decryption device and uses a predefined encryption scheme to requests the encryption decryption device serial number and transaction code of the encryption decryption device. If the encryption scheme is correct, the encryption decryption device calculates the next transaction code and encrypts it using the next scheme and sends it along with the current transaction code using the current encryption scheme. The Gateway calculates the next scheme and unencrypts the next transaction code using that scheme. If the next transaction code is incorrect, the transaction is terminated and the encryption decryption device flagged as invalid in the encryption decryption device database.

Preferably, LEDs on the encryption decryption device tell the conventional merchant whether the conventional merchant is connected to a valid Gateway server. A red LED acts as a pilot and lights when communication and encryption are being established. The red LED is extinguished and a green LED lights to indicate a successful connection. If the website is being impersonated, the red LED will flash. The encryption decryption device then transmits the information from the smart card or magstripe card to the Gateway server along with the transaction information and merchant identity. The Gateway server then causes the amount of the transaction to appear on a digital display built into the encryption decryption device and the customer is asked to verify the transaction amount using the keypad on the encryption decryption device. If the customer fails to acknowledge the amount, the transaction is cancelled. If the customer acknowledges the amount, the Gateway processes the transaction using the transaction information and the debit or credit account information from the smart card or magstripe card. If the customer wishes to use a personal identification device, the accounting software causes the encryption decryption device to connect to the Gateway server through a communication device internal or external to the encryption decryption device or internal or external to the hardware device possessing the accounting software. Once connected to the Gateway's server, the server attempts to authenticate the encryption decryption device.

The Gateway server contacts the encryption decryption device and uses a predefined encryption scheme to requests the encryption decryption device serial number and transaction code of the encryption decryption device. If the encryption scheme is correct, the encryption decryption device calculates the next transaction code and encrypts it using the next scheme and sends it along with the current transaction code using the current encryption scheme. The Gateway calculates the next scheme and unencrypts the next transaction code using that scheme. If the next transaction code is incorrect, the transaction is terminated and the encryption decryption device flagged as invalid in the encryption decryption device database. Preferably, LEDs on the encryption decryption device tell the Customer whether he is connected to a valid Gateway server. A red LED acts as a pilot and lights when communication and encryption are being established. The red LED is extinguished and a green LED lights to a successful connection. If the website is being impersonated, the red LED will flash. The encryption decryption device then reads the personal identification device serial number and personal identification device encrypted transaction code, encrypts the personal identification device serial number and personal identification device encrypted code, then transmits the encrypted personal identification device serial number and personal identification device encrypted transaction code along with the transaction information and merchant ID to the Gateway server. The Gateway receives the encrypted personal identification device serial number and personal identification device encrypted code and unencrypts them. The Gateway first locates the personal identification device serial number in the personal identification device database then authenticates the transaction code stored in the personal identification device. If no matching personal identification device serial number is found, or the transaction code does not validate, the transaction is cancelled and the customer and online merchant are notified. If the personal identification device transaction code validates, the Gateway server calculates the next non-sequential transaction code, encrypts it and writes it to the personal identification device. The transaction code is read back and verified before continuing with the transaction.

If the personal identification device encryption code does not validate, the previous personal identification device encryption code is compared to the current personal identification device encryption code. If they match, the transaction continues but the Gateway servers' personal identification device serial number database is flagged with a duplicate personal identification device encryption code marker if the database was not already flagged. If the database was already flagged, the personal identification device is marked as invalid in the database and the customer is notified of the deactivation. The customer is then offered an opportunity to activate a new personal identification device by answering an ultimate challenge question from a group of ultimate challenge question questions he entered when he signed up. The ultimate challenge question appears on the display on the encryption decryption device and the customer must use the keypad on the encryption decryption device to respond. If he fails the ultimate challenge question, or all the questions have already been asked, the customer's account is flagged and will allow no further transactions, the merchant is notified, and an activation code is then delivered to the billing address of the customer of the personal identification device. To reactivate the account, the customer must access the Gateway website, insert the customer's personal identification device into the encryption decryption device, provide the activation code, and answer an ultimate challenge question. Provided the activation code is correct and the ultimate challenge question is answered correctly, a new serial number and transaction code are written to the customer's personal identification device.

If the personal identification device encryption code validates, the customer is then asked to answer one or more random password questions created using questions and answers previously provided by the customer. The one or more random password questions appear on the display on the encryption decryption device and the customer must use the keypad on the encryption decryption device to respond. If the customer fails to answer the random question correctly, the customer is asked one more additional random password question questions. If the customer fails to answer the second random password question correctly, the serial number and transaction code associated with that personal identification device are flagged and will allow no further transactions and the conventional merchant is notified. An activation code is then delivered to the billing address of the customer of the personal identification device. To reactivate the account, the customer must access the Gateway website, insert the customer's personal identification device into the encryption decryption device, provide the activation code, and answer an ultimate challenge question. Provided the activation code is correct and the ultimate challenge question is answered correctly, a new serial number and transaction code are written to the customer's personal identification device.

If the customer answers the random password questions correctly, the Gateway then uses the information provided by the conventional merchant and request that the customer verify the transaction information and the conventional merchant using the keypad on the encryption decryption device. If the customer does not accept the transaction information or cancels the transaction, the conventional merchant is notified via the encryption decryption device and the conventional merchants hardware device possessing the accounting software. If the customer approves the transaction information, and desires to complete the transaction, the customer is asked via the digital display on the encryption decryption device which account the customer would like to use if there is more than one account, and which type of payment the customer would like to use if there is more than one payment type. The customer responds using the keypad on the encryption decryption device and the encryption decryption device forwards the response to the Gateway. The Gateway then assembles the customer's payment type and conventional merchant's merchant bank information on its servers in secure volatile memory along with the transaction amount, and sends it to the appropriate company or financial institution for payment authorization or processing. If the payment is authorized or processed, the customer and the merchant are notified via the conventional merchant's accounting software. If the payment is declined or not authorized, the customer is asked if he wishes to select a different payment type or to cancel the transaction. If the transaction is cancelled, the conventional merchant's accounting software is notified via the encryption decryption device. If a new payment type is selected, the Gateway again attempts to obtain authorization or payment. If no payment type works, the transaction is cancelled by the Gateway and conventional merchant's accounting software is notified via the encryption decryption device.

3. Customer Transaction with Customer

If one Gateway customer wishes to transact with another Gateway customer, one customer can login to his account and specify an amount to transfer from his checking account to the other customer's checking account. Each customer is assigned a customer ID number during the initial setup of each customer account. The receiving customer's ID number is specified to identify the transfer recipient.

If the transaction involves transfer of goods, the paying customer can elect to put money from his checking account into an escrow account where the money will be dispersed when goods arrive at a bonded warehouse. Another option is to place funds in the holding account until the customer paying authorizes the release upon completion of a specified event such as receipt of shipment.

In either situation, the Gateway servers assemble the bank account information from each customer's account in volatile memory along with the transaction amount and transmits the information to the pertinent company or financial institution for authorization or processing. Both parties are then notified of the result via their accounts and e-mail. The Customer Account When a customer signs up with the system 10, an account is established on a server of FIG. 1. This account maintains the following information. The customer may login and review or modify his or her information whenever he or she chooses.

In order to review or modify the customer account, an encryption decryption device and personal identification device are required for authentication (see the authentication sheet for details). The following is an example of one form of a customer account information:

D Name

D Company

D Department D Address

D City

D State

D Zip

D Country D Daytime Telephone

D Evening Telephone

D Email address 1

D Email address2

D Email address3 D Fax number The checkboxes specify which information to make available to merchants Cards:

Visal Visa Name on the card 4711 2013

Visa2 Visa Name on the card 4690 1390

MCI MasterCard Name on the card 1103 1111 Discoverl Discover Name on the card 3333.1212

Amexl American Express Name on the card 4567 .100

The Card names (underlined) above are user-defined names)

D Allow repetitive Billing

If Allow Repetitive Billing is checked: Repetitive or delayed billing is authorized with the following companies:

Check to require per incident authorization.

D ABC Company

$19.95 per month for 12 months

D DEF Company

$29.95 l time after 04-10-2000 $25.00 Max Shipping

$2.90 Max Tax

El GHI Copany

$2500.00 l_time(s) after upon notice of shipment

Transaction History The customer is able to review his or her history in order of newest-to-oldest. The initial display is shown in summary form with hyperlinks to view details about each transaction.

An option to download a statement is available. The download format is compatible with conventional accounting packages.

The Merchant Account

When a merchant signs up with the system 10, an account is established on a server FIG. 1. This account maintains the following information. The merchant may login and review or modify his or her information whenever he or she chooses. In order to review or modify the merchant account, an encryption decryption device and personal identification device are required for authentication. The following is an example of one form of a merchant account information:

D Contact Name

H_3 Company D Department

IS Address

E^ City

§2 State t^ Zip 20 £3 Country

13 Daytime Telephone

D Evening Telephone

.3 Email address 1

D Email address2 D Email address3

Kl Fax number

The checkboxes specify which information to make available to Customers Transaction History

The Merchant is able to review bis or her history in order of newest-to-oldest. The initial display is shown in summary form with hyperlinks to view details about each transaction.

An option to download a statement is available. The download format is compatible with popular accounting packages. Authentication Process

The information packet is received from the merchant once direct contact has been made with the customer, this server finds and connects to the attached encryption decryption device (Encryption/Decryption Device).

The encryption decryption device's serial number is verified and then its transaction code is read and verified. The serial number is a burned-in code-protected read-only number embedded in the microcontroller (not shown) of the encryption/decryption device of FIG. 1. The transaction code is an encrypted nonsequential variable value identifying the previous transaction residing in non- volatile memory. If the serial number does not exist in the encryption decryption device database, the transaction is denied. The previous transaction identified by the transaction code is queried to see if this encryption decryption device serial number is the same as the one identified last time. If not, the customer to whom the encryption decryption device was issued is notified via email and mail to return it for a replacement unit. The customer and merchant are notified of the failed transaction. If the serial number and transaction code are both verified, a new key is calculated and negotiated between the Gateway and the encryption decryption device. This key will be used to encrypt all the information used throughout this transaction.

The encryption decryption device reads the personal identification device (Personal Information Device) information and sends it to this server. The sewer verifies the personal identification device serial number and transaction code and refuses the transaction if the serial number is not valid. If the transaction code does not validate, its previous transaction code is compared to its current value. If they match, the transaction continues but the personal identification device serial number database is flagged with a duplicate transaction code marker if the database was not already flagged. If the database was already flagged, the personal identification device is marked as invalid in the database and the customer is notified of the deactivation.

The customer is ten offered an opportunity to activate a new personal identification device by answering a reactivation question from a group of personal questions he or she entered when he or she signed up. If he or she fails the question, or all the questions have already been asked, he or she is notified that he or she must repeat the signup process. If he or she answers correctly, a new serial number and transaction code are written to the personal identification device.

The customer is then asked a random password question randomly derived from his or her personal information provided at signup. The random password questions are not taken from the set of questions used for reactivation. If he or she fails the random password question twice, his or her personal identification device is deactivated and he or she must reactivate it as described above. The Merchant Packet contains (example only): The Merchant's ID

Customer's IP address or Repetitive Billing code

Transaction Description

Transaction Amount

Shipping & Handling Sales Tax

Tax rate

Transaction type: P or N (Preferred or Normal) The window on the customer's screen presents with (example only)

Merchant business name Merchant address

Merchant telephone number

Merchant email address

Transaction description

Transaction amount Shipping amount Sales tax amount Tax rate

D Repetitive Billing

D time(s) D after (date)

D Weekly

D Bi weekly

D Monthly

D Yearly

Max tax Max shipping

D Authorized only upon notice of shipment D Per incident authorization required

Comments:

Card to use:

D Visal

D Visa2 D MCI D Discoverl D American Express 1 D Yes, I authorize this

D No, this isn't what I agreed to

D I have never heard of this merchant

Repetitive Billing

If a merchant wishes to initiate a periodic billing to the customer, the merchant contacts the transaction server (FIG. 1) and sends a merchant packet with the IP address changed to the proper periodic billing code. If the customer has specified to allow repetitive billing, the transaction is processed and a confirming email sent to the customer. If the customer has elected not to allow repetitive billing, he or she is emailed a Request to Authorize. The customer must contact the server and authorize the transaction before it can be processed. The merchant receives the results of the customer and card company response if applicable. Other Applications The random password question portion of the system 10 can be replaced with other forms of identification techniques. For example, a bionetic (sometimes called biometric) identification system such as a fingerprint, retina scan or other biological identifying device, may also be used. Non financial information exchange A customer may pre-enter personal information and instruct the Gateway to make certain portions automatically available to participating websites he or she is browsing which ask for user input. Instead of filling out a particular form, the customer could simply click on a button or link and the Gateway provides the information to the website. The customer account on the Gateway could also include the storage of specific logins and passwords for various websites the customer frequents. A link to the Gateway on the website provides the customer's IP address to the Gateway which validates the customer and automatically logs the customer into the website.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. Method and system of securely collecting, storing, and transmitting information and for facilitating the completion of a transaction, comprising: Securely collecting information;

Securely encrypting information; Securely storing information; Securely transmitting information;

Authenticating an online merchant participating in a transaction with a customer;

Authenticating an online merchant and conventional merchant accessing the merchant account on the Gateway server;

Authenticating a conventional merchant participating in a transaction with a customer; Authenticating a customer participating in a transaction with an online merchant or conventional merchant, or accessing the customer account on the Gateway server;

Authenticating a Gateway participating in the transaction or being accessed by a merchant or customer; Validating the transaction in response to the identification of both the merchant and the customer;

Validating the transaction in response to the identification of both the customer and a second customer;

Permitting a customer and merchant controlled limits of authorized second and third party use of private and financial information; and

Permitting a customer and merchant defined limits of dissemination of personal, private and financial information.

2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein securely collecting information includes collecting information during two or more secure transmissions between an authenticated customer or merchant and an authenticated Gateway and receiving the into contact with the information as a whole and so that no person is able to access a single Gateway server and find the information as a whole.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein securely collecting information is achieved by collecting a portion of the information online via a web browser window connected to a Gateway server, collecting a portion of the information by dialing into a Gateway server via telephone and submitting the information using the telephone keypads, or collecting a portion of the information by mail or by fax using a scantron system that is scanned into a Gateway server, and collecting a second portion of the information online via a second web browser window connected to a second Gateway server, collecting a second portion of the information by dialing into a second

Gateway server via telephone and submitting the second portion of information using the telephone keypads, or collecting a second portion of the information by mail or by fax using a scantron system that is scanned into a second Gateway server.

4. A method according to claim 2, wherein the customer names each portion of the information being collected so that each portion of the information can be identified and assembled together by the Gateway servers in secure volatile memory when needed.

5. A method according to claim 2, wherein each portion of information collected contains some information that is also contained in the second portion of information so that the order in which each portion of the information should be assembled by the

Gateway servers is identified.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein securely encrypting information includes encrypting each portion of each item of information received using a different private key encryption scheme known only to the Gateway.

7. A method according to claim 1, wherein securely storing information includes receiving each item of encrypted information in separate pieces directly into two or more separate Gateway servers and never storing a single item of encrypted information together on the same storage medium.

8. A method according to claim 1, wherein securely transmitting information includes authentication of the customer, merchant and Gateway during transmissions.

9. A method according to claim 1, wherein authenticating of the online merchant participating in a transaction with a customer includes validation of the merchants IP address, validation of the merchants IP address on the Gateway's nameservers, validation of the merchant id, and validation of the merchant by the customer.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein validation of the merchant's IP address includes comparing the merchant's IP address during a transmission to the merchant IP address stored on the Gateway server prior to delivery of sensitive data.

11. A method according to claim 9, wherein validating the IP address on the Gateway's nameservers includes storing the IP address for the merchant on the Gateway's nameservers so that the Gateway can check its nameservers prior to a transmission to confirm that the merchant's IP address is still located on the Gateway's nameservers.

12. A method according to claim 9, wherein validating the merchant id includes confirming that the merchant id transmitted by the merchant's software is a valid merchant id stored on the Gateway's servers and confirming that the merchant id is possessed by the same merchant having the merchant IP address previously identified.

13. A method according to claim 9, wherein validation of the merchant by the customer includes the Gateway using the merchant id and merchant IP address to identify the merchant Gateway account and present the merchant's name and other general information from the merchant Gateway account to the customer for identification and validation by the customer that the merchant described is the merchant with whom the customer desires to transact.

14. A method according to claim 1, wherein authenticating of the online merchant and conventional merchant accessing the merchant account on the Gateway servers includes identifying and validating the encryption decryption device and merchant signatory or employee personal identification device, and receiving a correct response to random password question questions and ultimate challenge question password questions based upon information previously provided by the merchant signatory or employee.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein identifying and validating the encryption decryption device includes the encryption decryption device being connected to a port of a computer possessing a communication device or the encryption decryption device possessing a communication device, the encryption decryption device transmitting via the communication device the unique serial number hard-coded on the encryption decryption device to the Gateway servers, the Gateway servers identifying and validating the encryption decryption device's serial number, the Gateway servers identifying and validating the changing encryption scheme being used by the encryption decryption device, the encryption decryption device transmitting via the communication device the changing transaction code securely stored in the encryption decryption device's non- volatile memory to the Gateway servers, and the Gateway servers identifying and validating the encryption decryption device's transaction code.

16. A method according to claim 14, wherein identification and validation of the merchant signatory or employee's personal identification device includes the personal identification device being connected to an encryption decryption device possessing one or more personal identification device connectors, a keypad, a display, LEDs, and other add-ons, the encryption decryption device packaging the personal identification device's unique serial number and changing transaction code, the encryption decryption device encrypting the package, the encryption decryption device transmitting the encrypted package to the Gateway server, the Gateway server unencrypting the package, the Gateway server identifying and validating the personal identification device's unique serial number and identifying and validating the personal identification device's changing transaction code, each of which are specific to the merchant signatory or employee.

17. A method according to claim 14, wherein receiving a correct response to random password question questions and one-time ultimate challenge question password questions include the Gateway displaying a random password question or ultimate challenge question password question to the merchant signatory or employee based upon questions and answers previously provided by the merchant signatory or employee during setup or at some later time by accessing the merchant signatory or employee account and analyzing and comparing the response to the merchant signatory or employee's question and answer information stored on the Gateway server.

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the response to a random password question includes only a one or more character response to the question asked by the Gateway (e.g. What is the first and last letter of the answer to the question: What is my mother's maiden name? If maiden name Bower, the merchant's answer would be "b r").

19. A method according to claim 17, wherein the response to an ultimate challenge question password questions includes questions only asked under certain important situations and requires a complete word, words or sentence.

20. A method according to claim 1, wherein authenticating of the conventional merchant participating in a transaction with a customer includes identification and validation of the merchant id, identification and validation of the conventional merchant by the customer, identification and validation of the conventional merchant encryption decryption device, identification and validation of the merchant personal identification device and receiving a correct response to random password question questions and ultimate challenge question password questions based upon information previously provided by the merchant signatory or employee.

21. A method according to claim 20, wherein identification and validation of the merchant id includes identifying and validating the merchant id on the merchant database of the Gateway servers.

22. A method according to claim 20, wherein identification and validation of the conventional merchant by the customer includes the Gateway using the merchant id to display information about the merchant to the customer which must be confirmed by the customer as being the conventional merchant with whom the customer wishes to transact.

23. A method according to claim 20, wherein identifying and validating the encryption decryption device includes the encryption decryption device being connected to a port of a computer possessing a communication device or the encryption decryption device possessing a communication device, the encryption decryption device transmitting the unique serial number hard-coded on the encryption decryption device via the communication device to the Gateway servers, the Gateway servers identifying and validating the encryption decryption device's serial number, the Gateway servers identifying and validating the changing encryption scheme being used by the encryption decryption device, the encryption decryption device transmitting via the communication device the changing transaction code securely stored in the encryption decryption device's non- volatile memory to the Gateway servers, and the Gateway servers identifying and validating the encryption decryption device's transaction code.

24. A method according to claim 20, wherein identification and validation of the merchant signatory or employee's personal identification device includes the personal identification device being connected to an encryption decryption device possessing one or more personal identification device connectors, a keypad, a display, LEDs, and other add-ons, the encryption decryption device packaging the personal identification device's unique serial number and changing transaction code, the encryption decryption device encrypting the package, the encryption decryption device transmitting the encrypted package to the Gateway server, the Gateway server unencrypting the package, the Gateway server identifying and validating the personal identification device's unique serial number and identifying and validating the personal identification device's changing transaction code, each of which are specific to the merchant signatory or employee.

25. A method according to claim 20, wherein receiving a correct response to random password question questions and one-time ultimate challenge question password questions include the Gateway displaying a random password question or ultimate challenge question password question to the merchant signatory or employee based upon questions and answers previously provided by the merchant signatory or employee during setup or at some later time by accessing the merchant signatory or employee account and analyzing and comparing the response to the merchant signatory or employee's question and answer information stored on the Gateway server.

26. A method according to claim 25, wherein the response to a random password question includes only a one or more character response to the question asked by the Gateway (e.g. What is the first and last letter of the answer to the question: What is my mother's maiden name? If maiden name Bower, the merchant's answer would be "b r").

27. A method according to claim 25, wherein the response to an ultimate challenge question password questions includes questions only asked under certain important situations and requires a complete word.

28. A method according to claim 1, wherein authentication of the customer participating in a transaction with an online merchant or conventional merchant, or accessing the customer account on the Gateway server includes identifying and validating the encryption decryption device, identifying and validating the customer's personal identification device, and receiving a correct response to random password question questions and ultimate challenge question questions.

29. A method according to claim 28, wherein identifying and validating the encryption decryption device includes the encryption decryption device being connected to a port of a computer possessing a communication device or the encryption decryption device possessing a communication device, the encryption decryption device transmitting the unique serial number hard-coded on the encryption decryption device via the communication device to the Gateway servers, the Gateway servers identifying and validating the encryption decryption device's serial number, the Gateway servers identifying and validating the changing encryption scheme being used by the encryption decryption device, the encryption decryption device transmitting via the commumcation device the changing transaction code securely stored in the encryption decryption device's non-volatile memory to the Gateway servers, and the Gateway servers identifying and validating the encryption decryption device's changing transaction code.

30. A method according to claim 28, wherein identification and validation of the customer's personal identification device includes the personal identification device being connected to an encryption decryption device possessing one or more personal identification device connectors, a keypad, a display, LEDs, and other add-ons, the encryption decryption device packaging the personal identification device's unique serial number and changing transaction code, the encryption decryption device encrypting the package, the encryption decryption device transmitting the encrypted package to the Gateway server, the Gateway server unencrypting the package, the Gateway server identifying and validating the personal identification device's unique serial number and identifying and validating the personal identification device' s changing transaction code, each of which are specific to the merchant signatory or employee.

31. A method according to claim 28, wherein receiving a correct response to random password question questions and one-time ultimate challenge question password questions include the Gateway displaying a random password question or ultimate challenge question password question to the customer based upon questions and answers previously provided by the customer during setup or at some later time by accessing the customer account and analyzing and comparing the response to the customer's question and answer information stored on the Gateway server.

32. A method according to claim 31 , wherein the response to a random password question includes only a one or more character response to the question asked by the Gateway (e.g. What is the first and last letter of the answer to the question: What is my mother's maiden name? If maiden name Bower, the merchant's answer would be "b r").

33. A method according to claim 31 , wherein the response to an ultimate challenge question password questions includes questions only asked under certain important situations and requires a complete word, words or sentence.

34. A method according to claim 1, wherein authenticating a Gateway participating in the transaction or being accessed by a merchant or customer includes authentication by the encryption decryption device via the encryption scheme used by the Gateway to communicate with the encryption decryption device. If the wrong encryption scheme is used, the encryption decryption device will not permit communication and an LED on the encryption decryption device will notify the customer or merchant that the Gateway is invalid. If the encrypted link between the Gateway and encryption decryption device is successful, a different LED on the encryption decryption device indicates that the Gateway has been authenticated.

35. A method according to claim 1, wherein validating the transaction in response to the identification of both the merchant, the customer and Gateway includes a system comprising: means for transmitting the transaction information and merchant id to the

Gateway; means for the Gateway to contact the customer; means for the customer to verify the merchant and transaction information; means for the Gateway to identify the customer accounts available to the customer; means for the customer to select which customer Gateway account to use; means for the customer to select which payment method to use; means for the merchant to cancel a transaction based upon the disputed transaction history of the customer; means for the customer to cancel a transaction with the customer based upon the disputed transaction history of the merchant; means for the customer to securely transfer data from the customer's computer to the merchant; means for the Gateway to process the payment method chosen by the customer; means for the Gateway to notify the merchant and the customer of the transaction result; and means for the Gateway to prevent the merchant from charging more than the authorized amount or double billing;

36. A method according to claim 35, wherein the system comprising a means for transmitting the transaction information and merchant id to the Gateway includes the customer selecting goods and or services from a merchant, the customer placing an order, a packet of transaction information sent by the merchant's software to the Gateway and a packet of transaction information sent by a hyperlink on the merchant's website via the customer's web browser to the Gateway.

37. A method according to claim 36, wherein a packet of information sent by the merchant's software to the Gateway includes the merchant id, the transaction amount, transaction items, and the IP address of the customer.

38. A method according to claim 36, wherein a packet of transaction information sent by a hyperlink on the merchant's website via the customer's web browser to the Gateway includes the merchant id, transaction amount, transaction items, and the IP address of the merchant to merchant as well as customer to customer.

39. A method according to claim 36, wherein the system comprising a means for transmitting the transaction information and merchant id to the Gateway includes in an online transaction the Gateway receiving the packet of information directly from the merchant 's software and the Gateway receiving the packet of information via a hyperlink on the online merchant's website and via the customer's web browser and comparing the two separate packets of information.

40. A method according to claim 35, wherein the system comprising a means for the Gateway to contact the customer includes in an online transaction an online merchant transmitting the IP address of the customer to the Gateway and the Gateway using the IP address of the customer to open a new browser window on the customer's computer.

41. A method according to claim 35, wherein the system comprising a means for the Gateway to contact the customer includes in a transaction with a conventional merchant, the conventional merchant having an encryption decryption device with one or two personal identification device connectors and the Gateway contacting the customer via the same encryption decryption device.

42. A method according to claim 35, wherein the system comprising a means for the customer to verify the merchant and transaction information includes a secure transmission from the Gateway to the customer displaying on the customer's computer, the conventional merchant's computer or the conventional merchant's encryption decryption device the merchant's name, the transaction amount, the transaction items, and additional information about the merchant predetermined by the merchant and the customer responding to the Gateway the customer's approval or rejection of the transaction information.

43. A method according to claim 35, wherein the system comprising a means for the Gateway to identify the customer accounts available to the customer includes the encryption decryption device being used by the customer transmitting all unique serial numbers on the personal identification device to the Gateway upon first contact with the Gateway, the Gateway identifying each unique serial number on the personal identification device with a matching unique serial number on the Gateways servers, and then identifying the account associated with each unique serial number.

44. A method according to claim 35, wherein the system comprising a means for the customer to select which customer Gateway account to use includes the customer possessing one or more Gateway accounts with the Gateway and being requested by the Gateway via the customer's computer, the conventional merchant's computer or the conventional merchant's encryption decryption device to select which account the customer desires to use to transact with the merchant.

45. A method according to claim 35, wherein the system comprising a means for the customer to select which payment method to use includes the Gateway displaying the payment methods available to the customer from the customer's account on the customer's computer, the conventional merchant's computer or the conventional merchant encryption decryption device and the customer selecting the payment method to be used in the transaction.

46. A method according to claim 35, wherein the system comprising a means for the merchant to cancel a transaction based upon the disputed transaction history of the customer includes the Gateway permitting the merchant to select on the merchant's Gateway account whether or not the merchant desired to cancel a transaction based upon a percentage which is the number of disputed transactions divided by the total number of transactions for each customer, and the Gateway canceling the transaction if the merchant has selected a percentage and the customer desiring to transact with the merchant is over the percentage.

47. A method according to claim 35, wherein the system comprising a means for the customer to cancel a transaction with the merchant based upon the disputed transaction history of the merchant includes the customer receiving with the transaction information from the Gateway a percentage based on the number of disputed transactions divided by the total number of transactions for the merchant, and the customer sending a communication to the Gateway that the customer desires to cancel the transaction on this basis.

48. A method according to claim 35, wherein the system comprising a means for the customer to securely transfer data from the customer's computer to the merchant includes an authenticated customer uploading data on the customer's computer to the authenticated Gateway and into the customer's Gateway account, the customer identifying the merchant id of the merchant to whom the customer wants to transfer the data, the Gateway associating the uploaded data on its server with the merchant account that is assigned the merchant id identified by the customer, the Gateway notifying the merchant via email and via the merchant's account that the customer has transferred data, and then the authenticated merchant contacting the authenticated Gateway, the merchant accessing their merchant account, and the merchant downloading the transferred data.

49. A method according to claim 35, wherein the system comprising a means for the Gateway to process the payment method chosen by the customer includes the Gateway assembling the financial transaction information selected by the customer and stored on the Gateway's various servers in secure volatile memory along with the transaction information and transmits the assembled information to the appropriate financial institution for authorization or processing.

50. A method according to claim 35, wherein the system comprising a means for the Gateway to notify the merchant and the customer of the transaction result includes the Gateway authenticating the merchant and transmitting the transaction results to the merchant's software and the Gateway transmitting the transaction result to the customer via the customer's computer, the conventional merchant's computer or the conventional merchant's encryption decryption device.

51. A method according to claim 35 , wherein the system comprising a means for the Gateway to prevent the merchant from charging more than the authorized amount includes the Gateway only processing the transaction amount verified by the customer and the Gateway never transmitting the financial information of the customer to the merchant.

52. A method according to claim 1 , wherein validating the transaction in response to the identification of the customer, second customer and Gateway includes a system comprising: means for customer and second customer to securely transmit transaction information to the other, verify the transaction information submitted by the other, and approve, modify or cancel the transaction; means for customer to make payment to second customer during a transaction with the second customer; means for customer to securely transfer funds to second customer; means for the Gateway to prevent no more than the authorized amount from being paid or transferred from customer to second customer; and means for customer to securely transfer data to second customer.

53. A method according to claim 52, wherein the system comprising a means for customer and second customer to securely transmit transaction information to the other, verify the transaction information submitted by the other, and approve, modify or cancel the transaction includes the authenticated customer entering transaction information into the customer's Gateway account in a "transaction with other Gateway customer" field, the customer identifying the second customer id to the

Gateway servers, the customer submitting both the transaction information and the second customer id, the Gateway transferring the information submitted by the customer to the second customer's Gateway account according to the second customer id given by the customer, the Gateway assigning the transaction information sent by the customer a unique transaction id, the Gateway notifying both the second customer via email and via the second customer's account that the customer has submitted a transaction notice, the authenticated second customer accessing their Gateway account on the authenticated Gateway to verify the transaction information submitted by the customer and approve, modify or cancel the transaction.

54. A method according to claim 53, wherein modifying transaction information includes the same transaction id being used throughout the exchange of modified transaction information and the customer id and second customer id being used to identify the customer and second customer in the transfer of transaction information until the transaction is finally approved or cancelled.

55. A method according to claim 52, wherein a means for customer to make payment to second customer during a transaction with the second customer includes the I customer approving the transaction, the Gateway requesting the customer to select which account to use if the customer possesses more than one account, the customer selecting the account to use, the Gateway requesting which payment method to use if the customer has more than one item of financial information available to use, the customer selecting the payment method, the Gateway requesting the second customer via the second customer's Gateway account which Gateway account and bank account the second customer would like the customer's payment deposited if the second customer possesses more than one Gateway account or bank account, the second customer selecting the Gateway account and bank account, the Gateway securely assembling the financial information selected by both the customer and second customer and transmitting the financial information and transaction information to one or more financial institutions or companies for processing; the Gateway reporting the result of the transaction to the customer and second customer via email and via the customer and second customer's Gateway account transaction history.

56. A method according to claim 55, wherein a means for customer and second customer to securely and simultaneously exchange goods or services of customer for payment by second customer includes the Gateway replacing the financial information of the second customer with financial information of the Gateway when assembling the financial information and transaction information, the Gateway transmitting the financial information of both the Gateway and the customer and transaction information to one or more financial institutions or companies for processing, the Gateway receiving payment from the customer's financial institution, the Gateway receiving the goods or services of the second customer or receiving confirmation via an authenticated third party (customer or merchant) that the goods or services of the second customer have been received by the third party and are ready for delivery to the customer, the Gateway then securely assembling the financial information selected by second customer and the Gateway's financial information and transmitting the financial information and transaction information to one or more financial institutions or companies for processing, the Gateway delivering the goods or services to the customer or authorizing the authenticated third party to deliver the goods or services to the customer.

57. A method according to claim 52, wherein a means for customer to securely transfer funds to second customer includes the authenticated customer selecting the

"transfer funds" section of the customer's Gateway account, the customer selecting which Gateway account to use and which financial information to use if the customer possesses more than one Gateway account or more than one item of financial information, the customer selecting the amount to be paid, the customer identifying the second customer by the second customer's customer id, the customer submitting the transaction information, the Gateway notifying both the second customer via email and via the second customer's account that the customer has submitted a transfer of funds notice, the authenticated second customer accessing their Gateway customer account on the authenticated Gateway, the Gateway requesting the second customer which Gateway account and bank account the second customer would like the customer's payment deposited if the second customer possesses more than one Gateway account or bank account, the second customer selecting the Gateway account and bank account, the Gateway securely assembling the financial information selected by both the customer and second customer and transmitting the financial information and transaction information to one or more financial institutions or companies for processing; the Gateway reporting the result of the transaction to the customer and second customer via email and via the customer and second customer's Gateway account transaction history.

58. A method according to claim 52, wherein a means for the Gateway to prevent no more than the authorized amount from being paid or transferred from customer to second customer includes the Gateway never transmitting the financial information of the customer to the second customer and the Gateway never transmitting the financial information of the second customer to the customer.

59. A method according to claim 52, wherein a means for customer to securely transfer data to second customer includes an authenticated customer uploading data on the customer's computer to the authenticated Gateway and into the customer's Gateway account, the customer identifying the second customer id, the Gateway associating the customer's data on its server with the second customer account assigned the second customer id identified by the customer, the Gateway notifying the second customer via email and via the second customer' s account that the customer has transferred data, and then the authenticated second customer contacting the authenticated Gateway, the second customer accessing their second customer account, and the second customer downloading the transferred data.

60. A method according to claim 1 , wherein permitting a customer and merchant controlled limits of authorized second and third party use of private and financial information includes a system comprising: means for the customer and merchant to permit and control access to the customer or merchant's account to other specified second and third parties; means for the customer and merchant to control what information on the customer or merchant account is accessible to each second and third party allowed access; and means for the customer and merchant to control how each second and third party allowed access may use the customer or merchant information.

61. A method according to claim 60, wherein the system comprising a means for the customer and merchant to permit and control access to the customer or merchant's account to other specified second and third parties includes the Gateway authenticating the customer or merchant, the customer or merchant accessing their account, and the customer or merchant authorizing access to their account to second and third parties.

62. A method according to claim 61, wherein the customer or merchant authorizes access to their account to second and third parties includes the customer or merchant creating a question and answer to be used as a one-time password by the authorized second or third party, the Gateway providing the customer or merchant an access code for each second or third party, and the customer or merchant giving the access code and question and answer to the second or third party.

63. A method according to claim 61 , wherein the customer or merchant authorizes access to their account to second and third parties includes the second or third party contacting the Gateway, the second or third party using an encryption decryption device and active personal identification device to access their own account and request to add another account, the second or third party using an encryption decryption device and inactive personal identification device and requesting to join an account, the second or third party using the access code, the Gateway asking the question and answer provided by the customer or merchant, the second or third party correctly responding to the question and answer, and the second or third party being allowed access to the customer or merchant account.

64. A method according to claim 60, wherein the system comprising a means for the customer and merchant to permit and control access to the customer or merchant's account to other specified second and third parties includes the customer or merchant denying or reinstating the second or third party access to the customer or merchant's account at any time.

65. A method according to claim 60, wherein the system comprising a means for the customer and merchant to control what information on the customer or merchant account is accessible to each second and third party allowed access includes an authenticated customer or merchant accessing their account, the customer or merchant creating or accessing the second or third party profile on their account, and the customer or merchant selecting what information in the customer or merchant's account may be viewed or used by the second or third party.

66. A method according to claim 60, wherein the system comprising a means for the customer and merchant to control how each second and third party allowed access may use the customer or merchant information includes an authenticated customer or merchant accessing their account, the customer or merchant accessing the second or third party profile on their account, and the customer or merchant setting time limits on permitted access or use of the information, setting dollar limits on use of financial information, and setting other limits on the use of the customer or merchant information.

67. A method according to claim 1, wherein permitting a customer and merchant defined limits of secure dissemination of personal, private and financial information securely stored on the Gateway's servers during a transaction includes a system comprising: means for the customer to select which information on the customer's account to be disseminated to the authenticated merchant during a transaction; means for the merchant to select which information on the merchant's account to be disseminated to the authenticated customer during a transaction; means for the customer to determine how the merchant may use the customer's disseminated information; and means for the Gateway to enforce the merchant's use of the disseminated information.

68. A method according to claim 67, wherein a means for the customer to select which information on the customer's Gateway account to be disseminated to the authenticated merchant during a transaction includes the customer checking boxes in the customer's Gateway account identifying which information the customer approves to be disseminated to a merchant during a transaction.

69. A method according to claim 67, wherein a means for the merchant to select which information on the merchant's Gateway account to be disseminated to the authenticated customer during a transaction includes the merchant checking boxes in the merchant's Gateway account identifying which information the merchant approves to be disseminated to a customer during a transaction.

70. A method according to claim 67, wherein a means for the customer to determine how the merchant may use the customer's disseminated information includes a statement prepared by the customer on the customer's account on the

Gateway dictating how the merchant may use the customer's disseminated information or the customer, and that statement being sent with the transaction result to the authenticated merchant.

71. A method according to claim 67, wherein a means for the Gateway to enforce the merchant's use of the disseminated information includes the Gateway fining the merchant a fixed or increasing dollar amount, suspending the merchant's account, or canceling the merchant's account should the merchant fail to comply with the customer approved method of using the customer's disseminated information or fail to store the customer's disseminated information in a manner that can be accessed by the customer upon the customer' s requests.

72. A method of facilitating the completion of a transaction, comprising: identifying a merchant participating in the transaction; identifying a customer participating in the transaction; and validating the transaction in response to the identification of both the merchant and the customer.

73. A method according to claim 72, wherein the identifying of the merchant includes sending merchant the identification information, transaction information and customer address information.

74. A method according to claim 73, wherein the identifying of the customer includes sending customer IP address, and merchant and transaction verification information.

75. A method according to claim 74, wherein the sending a customer variable personal identification number includes sending an identification number and a variable non-sequential transaction code for each transaction.

76. A method according to claim 75, wherein the customer personal identification, and the merchant and transaction verification information are encrypted differently for each transaction.

77. A method according to claim 76, further including storing a plurality of different portions of the transaction information for security purposes individually, and compiling complete transaction information.

78. A method according to claim 77, further including sending the complete transaction information including customer credit card information to validate the transaction for credit card processing.

79. A method according to claim 78, further including receiving a response packet indicative of this acceptance or rejection of the transaction.

80. A method according to claim 79, wherein said validating the transaction includes receiving a response packet indicative of a transaction acceptance.

81. A system of facilitating the completion of a transaction, comprising: means for identifying a merchant participating in the transaction; means for identifying a customer participating in the transaction; and means for validating the transaction in response to the identification of both the merchant and the customer.

82. A system according to claim 81 , wherein the identifying of the merchant includes sending merchant the identification information, transaction information and customer IP address information.

83. A system according to claim 82, wherein the identifying of the customer includes sending customer IP address, and merchant and transaction verification information.

84. A system according to claim 83, wherein the sending a customer IP address includes sending an identification number and a randomly generated transaction code for each transaction.

85. A system according to claim 84, wherein the customer transaction code, and the merchant and transaction information are encrypted differently for each transaction.

86. A system according to claim 85, further including storing a plurality of different portions of the transaction information for security purposes individually, and compiling complete transaction information.

87. A system according to claim 86, further including sending the complete transaction information including customer credit card information to validate the transaction information.

88. A system according to claim 87, further including receiving a response packet indicative of this acceptance or rejection of the transaction.

89. A system according to claim 88, wherein said validating the transaction includes receiving a response packet indicative of a transaction acceptance.