Patent ID: 8533783
Filing Date: 2013-09-10
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for enabling access to an online account associated with a first user, comprising: a computer receiving from a first device having a phone number that is associated with the online account of the first user, user initiated communications to enable online access to the account by a second user who is different from the first user, wherein the user initiated communications comprises a text message or a phone call to the computer, and includes a predetermined period of time, a login identifier of the first user, and an authentication credential of the first user; the computer determining, based upon the phone number, the login identifier, and the authentication credential, that the user initiated communications to enable online access to the account was received from the first user; the computer receiving, from a second device used by the second user, a request to access the online account associated with the first user, wherein the request to access the online account associated with the first user includes the login identifier of the first user, and does not include the authentication credential of the first user; the computer determining that the request to access the online account associated with the first user is received during the predetermined period of time; and the computer granting to the second user access to the online account associated with the first user.