Secure transaction modem

摘要

Secure transactions are mediated through a modem having integral identifying indicia. For example, the modem may include a unique identification number that can be accessed and transmitted to identify or confirm the identity of the modem being used for a transaction. The identification number, or similar identifying indicia, can be permanently provided in the modem circuitry in the form of a once programmable logic array such as a laser programmable or fuse programmable logic array. The identification number is accessed by communications software, such as a specially modified version of the modem operating software, as a value read out from a register and transmitted by the modem to a host to provide the identifying indicia to the host. A different form of authentication information might be stored in nonvolatile memory on the modem. A compressed image or other authentication indicia might be stored in address space within the nonvolatile memory that is adjacent to or otherwise associated with the modem's operating software. By providing the authentication information in nonvolatile memory associated with the modem's operating software, the authentication information can only be altered when the modem's operating software is altered. The authentication information can be transmitted in a manner similar to how the identification number discussed above is used.