Securing computer network interactions between entities with authorization assurances

摘要

The invention is directed to techniques to secure interactions between entities communicating on a computer network. In general, techniques are described in which a first entity provides assurances to a second entity that an agent interacting with the second entity is interacting with the second entity on behalf of the first entity. Specifically, the techniques provide the second entity with information tending to indicate that the first entity authorized the agent to perform the interaction with the second entity pursuant to some prior agreement between the two entities. The techniques employ authentication systems and encryption to ensure the security of the interaction.