Patent ID: 6812938
Filing Date: 2004-11-02
Classification: G06F,G06Q,H04L

Abstract:
A method for providing status indication and control to a user of a computing device with a secure network connection, comprising:allowing the user at the computing device to establish the secure network connection between the computing device and a website server via a global network using public key certificates identifying the computing device to the website server; providing a graphical user interface displaying a control panel at the computing device with an icon on the control panel that indicates to the user that the secure network connection to the website server is established and with a current status of the secure network connection to the website server; displaying on the control panel a time out period during which the current status and at least one user privilege associated with the current status will remain in effect, an option for the user to extend the time out period, and an option for the user to view the information about the associated user privilege; and allowing the user to cancel the secure network connection and sign off independently of a specific secure function by clicking on a sign off option displayed on the control panel.