Entity authentication in electronic communications by providing verification status of device

摘要

A current verification status of a device (256) is identified out of a plurality of predefined verification data input (250) into the device (256) and data prestored within the device.(254) The indicator (272) reveals neither the prestored data nor the verification data. One of the predefined verification statuses is representative of the verification data being the same as the prestored data, and another verification status is representative of the verification data being different from the prestored data. An identified verification status is used by one entity in determining risk regarding an electronic communication from another entity, especially where the electronic communication comprises a request. The prestored data is for a Secret or a biometric characteristic of the first entity.