Enhanced call-back authentication method and apparatus for remotely accessing a host computer from a plurality of remote sites

摘要

A method and apparatus for remotely accessing a host computer from a remote location. The invention permits a user to remotely change a telephone number that allows the host computer to dial the user's current location. A user performs this change only after he has been strongly authenticated using a distributed user authentication protocol in addition to a simple user ID and password. This allows the user to move between locations and access the host computer, while the call-back feature protects the host computer from unauthorized intrusion. Also, a second registered user who does not have call-back authority may gain access to the host computer through a user that has call-back authority. In this case the user with call-back authority gains entry into the host computer and causes it to call the second registered user, who then enters a user ID and password to gain entry to the host computer. The present invention may be implemented in the host computer or in an interface coupled between the host computer and its modem.