Patent ID: 7779456
Filing Date: 2010-08-17
Classification: G06F,G06Q,G07C,G16H,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method of protecting use of an entity's identity, the method being executed on electronic computer hardware in combination with software, the method comprising: setting a status of the identity to a first state, the first state defining a scope of permitted use of the identity; changing, in advance of an intended use of the identity, the status to a second state defining a scope of permitted use of the identity that is different from the first state; requesting use of the identity after said changing; and returning, after said requesting, the state back to the first state; wherein the first state is a default state, and said returning occurs in response to completion of a use of the identity; wherein said requesting comprises transmitting, from a user of said identity to a service provider which maintains the state, a request for authorization to use the identity, where information in the request is insufficient to authorize the use of the identity; wherein said setting, changing, requesting and returning are executed on electronic computer hardware in combination with software.