Unique token authentication cryptogram

Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods for validating transactions using a cryptogram. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of processing a remote transaction initiated by a communication device provisioned with a token. The method comprises receiving, by a service provider computer, from an application on the communication device, a request for a token authentication cryptogram, wherein the token authentication cryptogram includes encrypted user exclusive data. The service provider computer may generate the token authentication cryptogram to include the user exclusive data. The service provider computer may send the token authentication cryptogram to the application, where the token authentication cryptogram can be used to validate the transaction, and the user exclusive data is extracted from the token authentication cryptogram during validation.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods related to authentication a user performing a transaction.

The Internet has made it increasingly easy for users to conduct electronic transactions using computing devices such as mobile devices (e.g., mobile phones, tablet computers). However, it has also increased the risks of fraudulent transactions, as well as the risk of data being compromised. Transactions conducted over the Internet, using a website hosted by a resource provider or a mobile application, can make it difficult for a resource provider or transaction processing entity to know whether the user conducting the transaction is actually the user he purports to be. Thus, systems have been established to perform authentication processing.

In current solutions, when a user conducts a transaction with a resource provider that uses a secure authentication system, the user includes a previously generated cryptogram with the transaction. The cryptogram is typically generated and provisioned to the user by a token generation service. This is meant to ensure that the person engaging in the transaction is authenticated.

This process has several drawbacks. One drawback is that the cryptogram generation procedure creates friction in the transaction process due to the cryptogram being generated by a separate system from the transaction requestor. This also causes the requestor to be dependent on another system in order to conduct a transaction. Another drawback is that, in current solutions, the cryptogram is generated based a predefined rules over which the requestor has no influence. Additionally, cryptograms are utilized in traditional systems merely as an authentication tool.

Thus, there is a need for new and enhanced methods of performing an authentication process for a transaction that utilizes a secure authentication infrastructure and that are more efficient and/or provide greater flexibility in the authentication process.

BRIEF SUMMARY

One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of processing a transaction initiated by a communication device provisioned with a token. The method comprises receiving, by a service provider computer, from an application operating on the communication device, a token request message for a token authentication cryptogram, wherein the token authentication cryptogram includes encrypted user exclusive data. The method further comprises generating, by the service provider computer, the token authentication cryptogram derived from the user exclusive data. The method further comprises sending, by the service provider computer to the application, the token authentication cryptogram, wherein the token authentication cryptogram can be used to validate the transaction, and the user exclusive data is extracted from the token authentication cryptogram during validation.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of processing a remote transaction initiated by a communication device. The method comprises sending, by a service provider, to a token provider computer, a token request message for a token authentication cryptogram, wherein the token request message comprises user exclusive data. The method further comprises receiving, by the service provider, from the token provider computer, a token and a token authentication cryptogram, the token authentication cryptogram derived from the user exclusive data. The method further comprises sending, by the service provider to the communication device, the token and the token authentication cryptogram, wherein the token authentication cryptogram can be used to validate the transaction, and the user exclusive data is extracted from the token authentication cryptogram during validation.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a service provider computer comprising, a processor, and a computer readable medium coupled to the processor. The computer readable medium may comprise code for causing the processor to perform operations. The operations comprise sending, to a server computer, a request for a token authentication cryptogram, wherein the request comprises user exclusive data. The operations further comprise receiving, from the server computer, a token and a token authentication cryptogram derived from the user exclusive data. The operation further comprise sending, to an application operating on a user device, the token and the token authentication cryptogram with transaction data, wherein the token authentication cryptogram can be used to validate the transaction data, and the user exclusive data is extracted from the token authentication cryptogram during validation. In some embodiments, the authentication cryptogram can be decrypted with an appropriate cryptographic key to extract the user exclusive data.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Prior to discussing specific embodiments of the invention, some terms may be described in detail.

A “communication device” may include any suitable device that can allow for communication with an external entity. A communication device may be a mobile device if the mobile device has the ability to communicate data to and from an external entity.

A “mobile device” may comprise any suitable electronic device that may be transported and operated by a user, which may also provide remote communication capabilities to a network. Examples of remote communication capabilities include using a mobile phone (wireless) network, wireless data network (e.g. 3G, 4G or similar networks), Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, or any other communication medium that may provide access to a network such as the Internet or a private network. Examples of mobile devices include mobile phones (e.g. cellular phones), PDAs, tablet computers, net books, laptop computers, personal music players, hand-held specialized readers, etc. Further examples of mobile devices include wearable devices, such as smart watches, fitness bands, ankle bracelets, rings, earrings, etc., as well as automobiles with remote communication capabilities. A mobile device may comprise any suitable hardware and software for performing such functions, and may also include multiple devices or components (e.g. when a device has remote access to a network by tethering to another device—i.e. using the other device as a modem—both devices taken together may be considered a single mobile device).

A “payment device” may include any suitable device that may be used to conduct a financial transaction, such as to provide payment credentials to a merchant. The payment device may be a software object, a hardware object, or a physical object. As examples of physical objects, the payment device may comprise a substrate such as a paper or plastic card, and information that is printed, embossed, encoded, or otherwise included at or near a surface of an object. A hardware object can relate to circuitry (e.g., permanent voltage values), and a software object can relate to non-permanent data stored on a device. A payment device may be associated with a value such as a monetary value, a discount, or store credit, and a payment device may be associated with an entity such as a bank, a merchant, a payment processing network, or a person. A payment device may be used to make a payment transaction. Suitable payment devices can be hand-held and compact so that they can fit into a user's wallet and/or pocket (e.g., pocket-sized). Example payment devices may include smart cards, magnetic stripe cards, keychain devices (such as the Speedpass™ commercially available from Exxon-Mobil Corp.), etc. Other examples of mobile devices include pagers, payment cards, security cards, access cards, smart media, transponders, and the like. If the payment device is in the form of a debit, credit, or smartcard, the payment device may also optionally have features such as magnetic stripes. Such devices can operate in either a contact or contactless mode. In some embodiments, a mobile device can function as a payment device (e.g., a mobile device can store and be able to transmit payment credentials for a transaction).

A “credential” may be any suitable information that serves as reliable evidence of worth, ownership, identity, or authority. A credential may be a string of numbers, letters, or any other suitable characters, as well as any object or document that can serve as confirmation. Examples of credentials include identification cards, certified documents, access cards, passcodes and other login information, etc.

“Payment credentials” may include any suitable information associated with an account (e.g. a payment account and/or payment device associated with the account). Such information may be directly related to the account or may be derived from information related to the account. Examples of account information may include a PAN (primary account number or “account number”), user name, expiration date, CVV (card verification value), dCVV (dynamic card verification value), CVV2 (card verification value 2), CVC3 card verification values, etc. CVV2 is generally understood to be a static verification value associated with a payment device. CVV2 values are generally visible to a user (e.g., a consumer), whereas CVV and dCVV values are typically embedded in memory or authorization request messages and are not readily known to the user (although they are known to the issuer and payment processors). Payment credentials may be any information that identifies or is associated with a payment account. Payment credentials may be provided in order to make a payment from a payment account. Payment credentials can also include a user name, an expiration date, a gift card number or code, and any other suitable information.

An “application” may be computer code or other data stored on a computer readable medium (e.g. memory element or secure element) that may be executable by a processor to complete a task.

A “digital wallet” can include an electronic device that allows an individual to conduct electronic commerce transactions. A digital wallet may store user profile information, payment credentials, bank account information, one or more digital wallet identifiers, one or more tokens specific to the individual and/or electronic device, one or more token authentication cryptograms (TACs) specific to the individual and/or the electronic device, and/or the like and can be used in a variety of transactions, such as but not limited to eCommerce, social networks, money transfer/personal payments, mobile commerce, proximity payments, gaming, and/or the like for retail purchases, digital goods purchases, utility payments, purchasing games or gaming credits from gaming websites, transferring funds between users, and/or the like. A digital wallet may be designed to streamline the purchase and payment process. A digital wallet may allow the user to load one or more payment cards onto the digital wallet so as to make a payment without having to enter an account number or present a physical card.

A “service provider computer” may include an entity, (e.g., a merchant, an issuing bank or third party), that provides a service (e.g., a digital wallet) to a user that enables the user to conduct financial transactions. In some embodiments, a service provider computer may also be referred to as a “digital wallet provider.” A service provider computer may provide standalone user-facing software applications that store account numbers, or representations of the account numbers (e.g., token(s)), on behalf of a cardholder (or other user) to facilitate transactions at more than one unrelated entity (e.g., merchant), perform person-to-person payments, or load financial value into the digital wallet. A service provider computer may enable a user to access its account via a personal computer, mobile device, or access device. Additionally, a service provider computer may also provide one or more of the following functions: generating a token authentication cryptogram (TAC), storing multiple payment cards and other payment products on behalf of a user, storing other information including billing address, shipping addresses, and transaction history, initiating a transaction by one or more methods, such as providing a user name and password, near field communication (NFC) or a physical token, and may facilitate pass-through or two-step transactions.

A “token” may be a substitute value for a credential. A token may be a string of numbers, letters, or any other suitable characters. Examples of tokens include payment tokens, access tokens, personal identification tokens, etc.

A “payment token” may include an identifier for a payment account that is a substitute for an account identifier, such as a primary account number (PAN). For example, a token may include a series of alphanumeric characters that may be used as a substitute for an original account identifier. For example, a token “4900 0000 0000 0001” may be used in place of a PAN “4147 0900 0000 1234.” In some embodiments, a token may be “format preserving” and may have a numeric format that conforms to the account identifiers used in existing transaction processing networks (e.g., ISO 8583 financial transaction message format). In some embodiments, a token may be used in place of a PAN to initiate, authorize, settle or resolve a payment transaction or represent the original credential in other systems where the original credential would typically be provided. In some embodiments, a token value may be generated such that the recovery of the original PAN or other account identifier from the token value may not be computationally derived. Further, in some embodiments, the token format may be configured to allow the entity receiving the token to identify it as a token and recognize the entity that issued the token.

A “token authentication cryptogram” (TAC) may be a value used for authenticating a token. A TAC may be a string of numbers, letters, or any other suitable characters, of any suitable length. In some embodiments, a TAC may include encrypted user exclusive data (e.g., a merchant identifier associated with a transaction associated with a user, a name of the user, the user's preferences, address, age, or any suitable information related to a user). In some embodiments, the TAC may be generated using a token and user exclusive data such that the same TAC may be used to validate the token as well as to extract user exclusive data from the TAC.

“User exclusive data” may include any suitable data pertinent to a user. Examples of user exclusive data may include a name of the user, a phone number of the user, user preferences (e.g., whether alerts or receipts are to be provided to the user), user transaction histories, etc.

“Tokenization,” also known as a “token exchange,” is a process by which data is replaced with substitute data. For example, a payment account identifier (e.g., a primary account number (PAN)) may be tokenized by replacing the primary account identifier with a substitute number (e.g. a token) that may be associated with the payment account identifier. Further, tokenization may be applied to any other information that may be replaced with a substitute value (i.e., token). Tokenization may be used to enhance transaction efficiency, improve transaction security, increase service transparency, or to provide a method for third-party enablement.

A “token provider computer” can include an electronic device that services payment tokens and/or cryptograms (e.g., TACs). In some embodiments, a token provider computer can facilitate requesting, determining (e.g., generating) and/or issuing (provisioning, transmitting, etc.) tokens and/or cryptograms, as well as maintaining an established mapping of tokens to primary account numbers (PANs) and/or cryptograms in a repository. In some embodiments, the token provider computer may establish a token assurance level for a given token to indicate the confidence level of the token to PAN binding. The token provider computer may include or be in communication with a token data store wherein the generated tokens/TACs are stored. The token provider computer may support token processing of payment transactions submitted using tokens by de-tokenizing the token to obtain the actual PAN. In some embodiments, a token provider computer may include a tokenization computer alone, or in combination with other computers such as a transaction processing computer. Various entities of a tokenization ecosystem may assume the roles of the token provider computer. For example, payment networks and issuers or their agents may become the token provider computer by implementing the token services according to embodiments of the present invention.

A “token request message” may be an electronic message for requesting a token and/or a TAC. A token request message may include information usable for identifying a payment account or a service provider account (e.g., a digital wallet account), and/or information for generating a token (e.g., a payment token) and/or a unique cryptogram (a TAC). For example, a token request message may include payment credentials, mobile device identification information (e.g. a phone number or MSISDN), a service provider identifier (e.g., an identifier for a service provider that provides a digital wallet), information identifying a token provider computer, a resource provider identifier (e.g., a merchant identifier), and/or any other suitable information. Information included in a token request message can be encrypted (e.g., with a service provider specific key).

A “token response message” may be a message that responds to a token request message. A token response message may include an indication that a token request was approved or denied. A token response message may also include a token (e.g., a payment token), a cryptogram (e.g., a TAC), user device identification information (e.g. a phone number or MSISDN), a service provider identifier (e.g., an identifier for a service provider that provides a digital wallet), a resource provider identifier (e.g., a merchant identifier), and/or any other suitable information. Information included in a token response message can be encrypted (e.g., with an issuer-specific key).

A “user” may include an individual. In some embodiments, a user may be associated with one or more personal accounts and/or user devices. The user may also be referred to as a cardholder, account holder, or consumer.

A “resource provider” may be an entity that can provide a resource such as goods, services, information, and/or access. Examples of resource providers include merchants, access devices, secure data access points, etc. A “merchant” may typically be an entity that engages in transactions and can sell goods or services, or provide access to goods or services.

A “resource provider computer” may be any communication device operated by, or on behalf of, of a resource provider. A resource provider computer may host an application running on a user device. A “user device” may include any suitable communication device and/or mobile device operated by or on behalf of a user. The resource provider may be in communication with one or more service provider computers and/or one or more transaction processing computers. The resource provider computer may provide one or more interfaces (e.g., via a website and/or application) with which a user may perform any suitable transaction (e.g., a payment transaction).

An “acquirer” may typically be an entity (e.g., a commercial bank) that has a business relationship with a particular resource provider (e.g., a merchant) or other entity. Some entities can perform both issuer and acquirer functions. Some embodiments may encompass such single entity issuer-acquirers. An acquirer may operate an acquirer computer, which can also be generically referred to as a “transport computer.”

An “authorizing entity” may be an entity that authorizes a request. Examples of an authorizing entity may be an issuer, a governmental agency, a document repository, an access administrator, etc. An “issuer” may typically refer to a business entity (e.g., a bank) that maintains an account for a user. An issuer may also issue payment credentials stored on a user device, such as a cellular telephone, smart card, tablet, or laptop to the consumer.

An “access device” may be any suitable device that provides access to a remote system. An access device may also be used for communicating with a resource provider computer, a service provider computer, a transaction processing computer, or any other suitable device and/or system. An access device may generally be located in any suitable location, such as at the location of a resource provider (e.g., a merchant). An access device may be in any suitable form. Some examples of access devices include POS or point of sale devices (e.g., POS terminals), cellular phones, PDAs, personal computers (PCs), tablet PCs, hand-held specialized readers, set-top boxes, electronic cash registers (ECRs), automated teller machines (ATMs), virtual cash registers (VCRs), kiosks, security systems, access systems, and the like. An access device may use any suitable contact or contactless mode of operation to send or receive data from, or associated with, a user mobile device. In some embodiments, where an access device may comprise a POS terminal, any suitable POS terminal may be used and may include a reader, a processor, and a computer-readable medium. A reader may include any suitable contact or contactless mode of operation. For example, exemplary card readers can include radio frequency (RF) antennas, optical scanners, bar code readers, or magnetic stripe readers to interact with a payment device and/or mobile device. In some embodiments, a cellular phone, tablet, or other dedicated wireless device used as a POS terminal may be referred to as a mobile point of sale or an “mPOS” terminal.

With the widespread use of smart phones and other application-based communication devices, users (e.g., consumers) are increasingly looking to conduct transactions (e.g., payment transactions) using applications on their user devices. As a non-limiting example, an application may be provided by a resource provider computer (e.g., a merchant) that allows a user to conduct a transaction (e.g., a payment transaction) utilizing a digital wallet (e.g., one provided by a service provider). In order to conduct a secure transaction using these applications, tokens may be used in place of sensitive account data (e.g., a PAN). The validation of these tokens may be performed using unique cryptograms (e.g., TACs). TACs may include encrypted values that can be generated by the creator of a token and then later decrypted (e.g., by a transaction processing computer, a transport computer, an authorizing computer, etc.). The decrypting computer can then forward an authorization request message to an authorizing entity (e.g., an issuer), who can then authorize the transaction.

Traditionally, a service provider computer may be dependent upon a token provider computer for the management of tokens/cryptograms and their content. This can be a problematic, as the service provider may want to create its own tokens and/or token authentication cryptograms. Additionally, some service providers may desire to communicate to transport and/or authorizing entities (or any suitable computer and/or entity in the systems discussed herein) additional information such as the merchant involved in the transaction, a wallet identifier (ID), etc. Conventionally, service provider computers do not transmit such information. Accordingly, there is a need for a method of validating a transaction using a token authentication cryptogram (TAC) as discussed herein.

Embodiments of the present invention address these problems and other problems individually and collectively.

FIG. 1shows a block diagram of a system100for performing a transaction using a communication device (e.g., user device104) provisioned with a token according to an embodiment of the invention. The system100includes a user device104(e.g., a user device associated with user102), a resource provider computer108, a service provider computer110, a transaction processing computer112, a transport computer116, a token provider computer114, and an authorizing entity computer118. Each of these systems and computers may be in operative communication with each other. For simplicity of illustration, a certain number of components are shown inFIG. 1. However, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the invention may include more than one of each component. In addition, some embodiments of the invention may include fewer than or greater than all of the components shown inFIG. 1. In addition, the components inFIG. 1may communicate via any suitable communication medium using any suitable communications protocol.

Suitable communications medium may include any one and/or the combination of the following: a direct interconnection; the Internet; a Local Area Network (LAN); a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN); an Operating Missions as Nodes on the Internet (OMNI); a secured custom connection; a Wide Area Network (WAN); a wireless network (e.g., employing protocols such as, but not limited to a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), I-mode, and/or the like); and/or the like.

Messages between the components ofFIG. 1may be transmitted using a communications protocols such as, but not limited to, File Transfer Protocol (FTP); HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP); Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTPS), Secure Socket Layer (SSL), ISO (e.g., ISO 8583) and/or the like.

User device104, an example of a communication device, may be in any suitable form. Examples of user device104may include any device capable of accessing the Internet, such as a personal computer, cellular or wireless phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet computers, laptop computers, and handheld specialized readers.

User device104may include a processor and a computer readable medium coupled to the processor, the computer readable medium comprising code, executable by the processor for performing the functionality described herein. User device104may be communicatively coupled to the resource provider computer108via a communications medium in order to conduct a transaction with a resource provider (e.g., a merchant) associated with the resource provider computer108. In some embodiments, the user device104may be in communications with resource provider computer108through application106. The application106may be stored in a memory element of user device104and may be configured to retrieve, present, and send data across a communications network (e.g., the Internet) to and/or from resource provider computer108. In some embodiments, user device104may be communicatively coupled to service provider computer110.

Resource provider computer108may include any suitable computational apparatus operated by a resource provider (e.g., a merchant). The resource provider computer108may include a processor and a computer readable medium coupled to the processor, the computer readable medium comprising code, executable by the processor for performing the functionality described herein. Examples of resource provider computer108may include an access device or a point of sale device. In some embodiments, the resource provider computer108may include a web server computer that may host one or more websites associated with the resource provider. In some embodiments, the resource provider computer108may be configured to send/receive data (e.g., a token request message, a token response message, etc.) to/from the service provider computer110and/or token provider computer114. In some embodiments, the resource provider computer108may also be configured to send/receive data (e.g., an authorization request message, an authorization response message, etc.) to/from the transaction processing computer112.

Service provider computer110may include any suitable computational apparatus operated by a service provider (e.g., a digital wallet provider). The service provider computer110may include a processor and a computer readable medium coupled to the processor, the computer readable medium comprising code, executable by the processor for performing the functionality described herein. In some embodiments, the service provider computer110may be configured to send/receive data to/from user device104, resource provider computer108and/or token provider computer114. In some examples, service provider computer110may be configured to generate/maintain a token and/or a TAC associated with a user (e.g., user102). The TAC may be generated from user exclusive data associated with the user.

Transaction processing computer112may be a network that includes or operates at least one server computer used for transaction processing. Transaction processing computer112may include a processor and a computer readable medium coupled to the processor, the computer readable medium comprising code, executable by the processor for performing the functionality described herein. Transaction processing computer112may include data processing subsystems, networks, and operations used to support and deliver authorization services, exception file services, and clearing and settlement services. An exemplary transaction processing computer112may include a network (e.g., VisaNet™) that is able to process credit card transactions, debit card transactions, and other types of commercial transactions. In particular, transaction processing computer112may be part of an integrated payments system (Integrated Payments system) which processes authorization requests and a Base II system, which performs clearing and settlement services. In the example depicted inFIG. 1transaction processing computer112may provide transaction authorization and clearing and settlement services between the transport computer116and the authorizing entity computer118for standard payment transactions. In some embodiments, the transaction processing computer112may be configured to send/receive data to/from resource provider computer108, token provider computer114, and/or authorizing entity computer118. In some embodiments, the transaction processing computer112may be configured to extract user exclusive data from a received TAC (e.g., a TAC received in an authorization request message).

Token provider computer114may include any suitable computational apparatus operated by a token provider. Token provider computer114may include a processor and a computer readable medium coupled to the processor, the computer readable medium comprising code, executable by the processor for performing the functionality described herein. Token provider computer114can facilitate requesting, determining (e.g., generating) and/or issuing (provisioning, transmitting, etc.) tokens and/or TACs, as well as maintaining an established mapping of tokens to information associated with a user (e.g., a PAN, a TAC, etc.) in a repository (e.g. token vault). The token provider computer114may include or be in communication with a token vault (e.g., one or more data stores) where the generated tokens and/or TACs are stored. The token provider computer114may support token processing of transactions submitted using tokens by de-tokenizing the token to obtain underlying data (e.g., the PAN). In some embodiments, the token provider computer114may be configured to extract user exclusive data from a received TAC (e.g., a TAC received in an authorization request message). In some embodiments, the token provider computer114may be configured to send/receive data to/from service provider computer110and/or transaction processing computer112.

Transport computer116may be associated with a business entity (e.g., a commercial bank) that has a business relationship with a particular resource provider (e.g., a merchant) or other entity and that may be involved in the process of transaction. The transport computer116may issue and manage accounts for resource providers and exchange funds with the authorizing entity computer118on behalf of the resource provider. Some entities can perform both transport computer116and authorizing entity computer118functions. Embodiments of the present invention encompass such single entity transport/authorizing entity computers. In some embodiments, transport computer116may be configured to extract user exclusive data from a TAC received in a message (e.g., an authorization request message). In some embodiments, transport computer116may be configured to send/receive data to/from transaction processing computer112. In some embodiments, the transport computer116may be configured to extract user exclusive data from a received TAC (e.g., a TAC received in an authorization request message or another message).

Authorizing entity computer118is typically associated with a business entity (e.g., a bank) which issues and maintains user accounts for a user (e.g., a consumer). The authorizing entity may issue payment devices for a user account (e.g., a consumer account), including credit cards and debit cards, and/or may provide user accounts stored and accessible via the user device104. In some embodiments, authorizing entity computer118may be configured to extract user exclusive data from a TAC received in a message (e.g., an authorization request message). In some embodiments, authorizing entity computer118may be configured to send/receive data to/from transaction processing computer112. In some embodiments, the authorizing entity computer118may be configured to extract user exclusive data from a received TAC (e.g., a TAC received in an authorization request message or another message).

In the example provided inFIG. 1, user102may utilize user device104to conduct transactions with a resource provider (e.g., a merchant) associated with the resource provider computer108. User device104may be configured to store information (e.g., user specific information, etc.) associated with the user102. For example, user specific information may include payment credentials, a token (e.g., a payment token) and/or personal information such as a name, address, email address, phone number, or any other suitable data associated with user102. The user device104may provide this user specific information to resource provider computer108during a transaction.

In one non-limiting example, user102(e.g., a consumer) may wish to conduct a transaction (e.g., a payment transaction) using user device104. By way of example, the user device104may be a smart phone and the user102may wish to conduct the transaction with resource provider computer108remotely, i.e. from a location that is not within a store associated with the same resource provider as resource provider computer108.

At step1, user102may provision user device104with a token (e.g., a token generated by token provider computer114). The user device104may have been provisioned with the token using an application (e.g., application106) that has been stored on the memory of the user device104such as either a mobile banking application provided by authorizing entity computer118, a digital wallet application provided by service provider computer110, an e-commerce application provided by the resource provider computer108, etc. During provisioning, or at another suitable time, the service provider computer110may obtain and/or generate a set of user exclusive data that is unique to user102. User exclusive data may include any suitable data pertaining to a user, such as a resource provider identifier for a resource provider (e.g., a merchant) involved in the transaction, a wallet ID, user preferences, user specific data such as phone numbers and e-mail addresses, etc.

Once user102has provisioned his or her communication device (e.g., the user device104) with a token (e.g., a token generated by token provider computer114or service provider computer110), he or she may now use the user device104to initiate a transaction. User102may then open the application106that is stored on the memory of the user device104. In some embodiments, application106(in this case hosted by the resource provider computer108) may allow user102to view items that a resource provider (e.g., a merchant) sells.

At step2, items offered for consumption may be displayed by application106to user102, and user102may select which items he or she would like to procure (e.g., purchase, lease, borrow, etc.). Once the user102has finished making his or her selections, he or she may proceed to checkout.

Once a user102proceeds to checkout, application106may initiate a request (e.g., a token request message) that is communicated to service provider computer110at step3. The request may cause the service provider computer110to generate a unique cryptogram (e.g., a TAC) that may be used to validate the transaction (e.g., by validating the token included in the transaction). An encryption key, such as a symmetric encryption key, may be used to encrypt a number of data elements including user exclusive data to form the TAC. The encryption key may be known or derivable by the token provider computer114, the transaction processing computer112, the transport computer116, and/or the authorizing entity computer118.

The request (e.g., the token request message) may be communicated to the service provider computer110via resource provider computer108and/or directly from application106. The TAC generated by service provider computer110may be derived from a token and user exclusive data that were previously stored or obtained (e.g., from the token request message) by service provider computer110. At step4, service provider computer110may send the TAC to application106(e.g., via resource provider computer108or directly to user device104).

The resource provider computer108may have obtained the user's token from either the user device104or the service provider computer110. In some embodiments, the token may be stored at the service provider computer110and may be sent to the resource provider computer110(e.g., along with the TAC). In other embodiments, the token may be stored in the user device104, and it may be provided to the resource provider computer108.

At step5, once the resource provider computer108has the token and the TAC, the resource provider computer108may package the token and the TAC into a message (e.g., an authorization request message) and may send the message to a transaction processing computer112. Alternatively, the application106may package the token and/or TAC and communicate an authorization request message on its own.

At step6, transaction processing computer112may receive the message (e.g., an authorization request message) containing the token and TAC and may send the message to the token provider computer114. Token provider computer114may be configured to exchange the token with account information (e.g., a PAN) belonging to user102so that the transaction may be processed. In some embodiments, transaction processing computer112may be configured to validate the transaction by validating the token provided using the TAC. The transaction processing computer112may additionally, or alternatively, extract user exclusive data from the TAC. The extracted user exclusive data may be used for any suitable purpose.

The transaction processing computer112can use the TAC to validate that the token being used is appropriate for the type of transaction being conducted. For example, a token may have been generated such that the token provider computer114and the transaction processing computer112can ascertain that that token is only to be used in a particular transaction mode. The particular transaction mode may be an e-commerce transaction mode, as opposed to a transaction being conducted at a physical point of sale. Thus, if a transaction conducted using the token is being used at a physical point of sale and the TAC that accompanies the token is only valid for e-commerce transactions, then the transaction processing computer112may decline the transaction because the token is not being used in a valid manner.

The transaction processing computer112may use the user exclusive data in any suitable manner. For example, the transaction processing computer112(and/or the token provider computer, the transport computer, or the authorizing entity computer) may have a cryptographic key that will allow it to decrypt the TAC and obtain encrypted user exclusive data such as the user's name and address. Such information could be used in an additional fraud analysis conducted by the transaction processing computer112to determine if the transaction should or should not proceed.

At step7, which is optional, transaction processing computer112may send a message (e.g., the authorization request message), containing the token (or account information obtained by exchanging the token) and the TAC to transport computer116, or any other suitable party (e.g., authorizing entity computer118, etc.). Transport computer116(or another suitable party such as authorizing entity computer118) may be configured to validate the transaction by validating the token provided using the TAC. The validation of the token using the TAC may provide assurance to the validating party that the token can be processed in the transaction. The transport computer116may extract user exclusive data from the TAC if it has or can obtain the appropriate cryptographic key. The extracted user exclusive data may be used for any suitable purpose including fraud checking, providing customer exclusive services, etc. In some embodiments, the transport computer116may be located between the transaction processing computer112and the resource provider computer108(in an operational sense).

At step8, transaction processing computer112may send the message (e.g., an authorization request message) to authorizing entity computer118for approval. Prior to doing so, the transaction processing computer112may have obtained the real credentials (e.g., a PAN) associated with the token and the real credentials may be forwarded to the authorizing entity computer118in a modified message (e.g., a modified authorization request message). The message may include the TAC. If so, authorizing entity computer118may be configured to extract user exclusive data from the TAC using an appropriate cryptographic key. The extracted user exclusive data may be used for any suitable purpose. The authorizing entity computer118may either approve or decline the request.

At step9, a response message (e.g., an authorization response message) may be generated by authorizing entity computer118and may be sent back to resource provider computer108(e.g., via transaction processing computer112, transport computer116, or any suitable path). The response message may be processed by the same entities that processed the original message (e.g., the authorization request message), and any of the entities along the channel of communication may perform a set of actions on the response message. For example, token provider computer114may be utilized to replace account information (e.g., a PAN) within the response message with a token so that the resource provider computer108does not have access to any sensitive data belonging to user102.

At the end of the day or at any other suitable period of time after the authorization response message is received by the resource provider computer108, a clearing and settlement process may be performed between transport computer116, transaction processing computer112, and authorizing entity computer118.

FIG. 2shows a block diagram of a system200for performing a transaction using a communication device (e.g., user device104) in which a service provider computer (e.g., service provider computer110) requests a TAC from a token provider computer (e.g., token provider computer114) according to an embodiment of the invention.FIG. 2shows user102, who wishes to conduct a transaction (e.g., a payment transaction) using his or her user device104(an example of a communications device). The user device104may be a smart phone and the user102may wish to conduct the transaction remotely, i.e. from a location that is not within a resource provider's store. In other embodiments, the user device104does not need to be remote from the resource provider and the user device104can be used to conduct card present types of transactions.

At step1, user102may select one or more items he or she wishes to procure using application106stored on the memory of the user device104. The user102may authenticate himself or herself to service provider computer110for payment (e.g., with a password or PIN).

At step2, the service provider computer110may send a request for a token and/or TAC to token provider computer114(e.g., via a token request message). The request may contain a token that may be used in a transaction or may contain a provisioned token requestor ID that may be used to request a token and/or TAC from token provider computer114. The request may also contain information from service provider computer110defining particular user exclusive data that should be embedded in the generated TAC by the token provider computer114.

At step3, token provider computer114may authenticate the request received from service provider computer110and generate the token (if requested) and/or the requested TAC embedded with customer exclusive data provided by service provider computer110. The generated token and/or TAC may be transmitted by the token provider computer114to the service provider computer110. The token provider computer114may maintain an association between the token and the TAC generated. At step4, service provider computer110may forward the token and/or the TAC to the application106.

At step5, application106may package the token and the TAC into a message (e.g., an authorization request message) and send the message to transaction processing computer112. The application106may perform these functions by communicating with a resource provider computer108(e.g., a merchant computer within the merchant's store, a merchant computer hosting application106), or may perform these functions on its own. Accordingly, packaging of the token and TAC into an authorization request message may be performed by the application106and/or the resource provider computer108.

At step6, transaction processing computer112may receive the message (e.g., the authorization request message) containing the token and TAC and may send the message to token provider computer114. Token provider computer114may extract the token and exchange the token with actual payment account information belonging to user102so that the transaction may be processed.

At step7, transaction processing computer112may validate the token with the TAC, extract the user exclusive data using an appropriate cryptographic key, and forward the results (e.g., via an authorization request message) to authorizing entity computer118for approval. In some embodiments, transaction processing computer112may additionally, or alternatively, obtain real credentials associated with the token (e.g., from the token provider computer114) and may send those to authorizing entity computer118instead of the token.

At step8, the authorizing entity may either approve or deny the request. A response message (e.g., an authorization response message) may be generated by authorizing entity computer118and sent back to the resource provider computer108via transaction processing computer112. The response message may be processed by the same entities that processed the original message (e.g., the authorization request message), and any of the entities along the channel of communication may perform a set of actions on the response message. For example, token provider computer114may be configured to replace sensitive data (e.g., a PAN) within the response message with the corresponding token so that the resource provider does not have access to any sensitive data belonging to user102.

At the end of the day or at any other suitable period of time after the response message is received by the resource provider computer108, a clearing and settlement process may be performed (e.g., by transaction processing computer112and authorizing entity computer118).

FIG. 3shows a block diagram of another system300that utilizes user exclusive data to generate a token authentication cryptogram (e.g., cryptogram302) according to an embodiment of the invention.

At step1, a service provider computer110(or computer operated by service provider computer110) may generate cryptogram302(e.g., a TAC) from transaction data303. As a non-limiting example, a TAC may be generated by using an encryption algorithm (e.g., algorithm H). Transaction data303may include user exclusive data304, a predefined offset value (e.g., offset306), and a key308(e.g., a symmetric key associated with user102ofFIG. 1) as input in order to generate cryptogram302as output.

At step2, service provider computer110may be configured to transmit the TAC to resource provider computer108. In some embodiments, resource provider computer108may be configured to forward the TAC to another computer/entity (e.g., user device104).

At step3, upon receipt of a transaction request (e.g., from application106), the resource provider computer108may be configured to generate/modify an authorization request message to include a token (or account information associated with the token), and the generated TAC. The resource provider computer108may be configured to transmit the authorization request message to another computer/entity (e.g., a transport computer, transaction processing computer, token provider computer, authorizing entity computer, or any suitable combination of the above). Once the authorization request message is received (e.g., by authorizing entity computer118), the user exclusive data (e.g., a merchant store name) may be extracted from the TAC. The receiving computer (e.g., authorization entity computer118), may be configured to process the transaction accordingly. In some examples, the extracted user exclusive data may be utilized in a process for detecting fraud. For example, user exclusive data can include a user's name, phone number, and other information pertaining to the user. This information may be used by the authorizing entity computer118determine if the user exclusive data matches other data about the user in its possession. User exclusive data provided by a service provider can be useful to the authorizing entity computer118, as well as any other secure transaction processing entity to perform any suitable function including fraud detection or the delivery of additional services to the user.

FIG. 4shows exemplary data elements402that may be used (e.g., by the service provider computer110and/or the token provider computer114ofFIG. 1) to create a TAC, as well as an algorithm400that can be used to create the TAC. Additional descriptions of some of the data elements can be found in the following published U.S. Patent Applications, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety: US 20150052064; US 20150088756; US 20150324736; and US 20150180836.

In some embodiments, data elements402may include, but are not limited to an application transaction counter, a token requestor ID, an ECI indicator indicating a transaction type, a local card verification method, an automatic transaction number (e.g., an unpredictable number), any suitable form of user exclusive data, or any suitable combination of the above.

Referring to the algorithm400inFIG. 4, a master derivation key (MDK)404(e.g., issued by service provider computer110or token provider computer114ofFIG. 1) may be used with a data encryption standard (DES) algorithm406(e.g., a triple DES algorithm) to encrypt data408. In some embodiments, data408may include a concatenated value of a token and an inverse of the token. The resultant value (an encrypted value corresponding to data408) may be used with a unique derived key (UDK)410(a same or different key issued by service provider computer110or token provider computer114) and a DES algorithm412(a same or different DES algorithm triple DES algorithm406) to encrypt transaction data414. The transaction data414may include, but is not limited to, one or more of data elements402. The outputted encrypted value may include cryptogram416(e.g., a TAC). In some cases, a portion of the encrypted value may form the cryptogram416.

The cryptogram416has a number of special properties and provides for a number of advantages. For example, can serve multiple functions while providing transaction security. For instance, as noted above, the cryptogram may serve to indicate to a payment processing computer (e.g., the authorizing entity computer or processing network computer) that a token is being used in its pre-designated and predefined manner. In addition, the cryptogram can encode user exclusive data which can be extracted by the payment processing computer, and used for various purposes. Third, as illustrated by the algorithm, it is dynamic in nature and is derivable by any payment processing computer that has the appropriate keys. Even if a man-in-the-middle obtains the cryptogram in an unauthorized manner, it is of limited value. Thus, the cryptogram according to embodiments of the invention serves multiple functions, thereby reducing the need for additional data transmissions and data processing that would otherwise be needed to achieve the same level of functionality.

FIG. 5shows a block diagram500of a resource provider computer (e.g., resource provider computer108ofFIG. 1) according to an embodiment of the invention.

The resource provider computer108may comprise a processor504, which may be coupled to a system memory506and an external communication interface508. A computer readable medium510may also be operatively coupled to the processor504.

The computer readable medium510may comprise a number of software modules including a user interface manager512, a transaction manager514, and a token request module516. Although these various modules are depicted as being internal to the resource provider computer108, any number of these modules may instead be implemented as separate systems external to the resource provider computer108.

In at least one embodiment, the user interface manager512may comprise code that, when executed, causes the processor504to provide one or more user interfaces. Such user interfaces may be provided to an application (e.g., application106ofFIG. 1) and/or such user interface may be provided via a website hosted by the resource provider computer108. As a non-limiting example, the user interface manager512may be configured to cause various interfaces corresponding to offering and/or procuring items from a resource provider (e.g., a merchant) to be provided to a user (e.g., via a user device). By way of example, the user interface manager512may be configured to cause the processor504to present information related to an item offered for sale at a merchant's website. By utilizing the interface provided, a user (operating a user device such as user device104ofFIG. 1) may select an item for purchase and may initiate a transaction (e.g., a payment transaction).

In at least one embodiment, transaction manager514may be configured to cause the processor504to receive transaction data from a user device (e.g., the user device104ofFIG. 1). The transaction data may include, but is not limited to, any suitable combination of data elements402ofFIG. 4. By way of example only, the transaction data may include an item identifier, a transaction amount, an application transaction counter, a user and/or wallet ID, a token requestor ID, a token, an e-commerce indicator (ECI) indicating that the transaction is an e-commerce transaction, user exclusive data (e.g., the user's name and address, a merchant name/address, etc.), or any suitable combination of the above. Upon receipt of the transaction data, or at another suitable time, the processor504may be configured to execute code associated with the token request module516.

In some embodiments, the token request module516may be configured to cause the processor504to generate a message (e.g., a token request message) that requests a TAC to be generated. The token request module516may be configured to cause the processor504to receive messages (e.g., token response messages including a TAC) and forward at least a portion of the data (e.g., a received TAC) to a user device. In some embodiments, the forwarded data may be provided by the processor504to the user device104via an application (e.g., application106) and/or interface provided utilizing the code included in user interface manager512. In at least some embodiments, the token request module516may be configured to cause the processor504to store at least a portion of the received data (e.g., the TAC) in system memory506or another suitable storage location internal or external to the resource provider computer108.

In some embodiments, the transaction manager514may be configured to cause the processor504to generate and/or modify a message (e.g., an authorization request message) that includes a token and the received TAC. The transaction manager514may be further configured to cause the processor504to receive messages (e.g., authorization response messages) and forward at least a portion of the data included in such messages to a user device (e.g., user device104). In some embodiments, the forwarded data may be provided by the processor504to the user device via an application and/or interface provided utilizing the code of user interface manager512.

FIG. 6shows a block diagram600of a service provider computer (e.g., service provider computer110ofFIG. 1) according to an embodiment of the invention. The service provider computer may be a wallet provider computer that holds accounts or account data for a plurality of payment instruments of a user.

The service provider computer110may comprise a processor604, which may be coupled to a system memory606and an external communication interface608. A computer readable medium610may also be operatively coupled to the processor604. Computer readable medium610may also comprise code for implementing the methods discussed herein.

The computer readable medium610may comprise a number of software modules including a service provider account manager612, a token request module614, and a cryptogram generation module616. Although these various modules are depicted as being internal to the service provider computer110, any number of these modules may instead be implemented as separate systems external to the service provider computer110.

In at least one embodiment, the service provider account manager612may comprise code that, when executed, causes the processor604to provide one or more user interfaces for managing a service provider account (e.g., a digital wallet account) on behalf of a user. Such user interfaces may be utilized to collect user account information (e.g., account numbers, PANs, etc.). As a non-limiting example, the service provider account manager612may be configured to cause processor604to present information associated with a service provider account (e.g., a digital wallet account) on a user device (e.g., the user device104) via a website or application hosted by the service provider computer110. In some embodiments, service provider account manager612may be configured to cause the processor604to store a token (e.g., generated by the token provider computer114) as an association to a service provider account (e.g., a digital wallet account). In some embodiments, information related to the service provider account associated with a user, including the association to a token, may be stored in the service provider account data store618.

In at least one embodiment, token request module614may be configured to cause the processor604to receive a token request message from a user device (e.g., the user device104ofFIG. 1), a resource provider computer (e.g., the resource provider computer108ofFIG. 1), or any suitable entity. The token request message may include a token and/or transaction data including any suitable combination of data elements402ofFIG. 4. By way of example, the token request message may include a transaction amount, a token request ID, a token, an e-commerce indicator (ECI) indicating that the transaction is an e-commerce transaction, user exclusive data (e.g., the user's name and address, a merchant name/address, etc.), or any suitable combination of the above. Upon receipt of the token request message, or at another suitable time, the processor604may be configured to forward the token request message to token provider computer114ofFIG. 1.

In some embodiments, the token request module614may be configured to cause the processor604to receive a token and transaction data and generate a message (e.g., a token request message) that requests a TAC from another entity (e.g., token provider computer114).

In some embodiments, the token request module614may be configured to cause the processor604to receive a response message (e.g., a token response message) and forward at least a portion of the data (e.g., a cryptogram such as a TAC) to a user device (e.g., user device104) and/or a resource provider computer (e.g., resource provider computer108). In at least some embodiments, the token request module614may be configured to cause the processor604to store at least a portion of the received data (e.g., the cryptogram/TAG) in cryptogram data store620. Alternatively, at least a portion of the received data may be stored in the service provider account data store618as an association with a service provider account.

In some embodiments, cryptogram generation module616may be configured to cause the processor604generate a cryptogram (e.g., a TAC) in response to a token request message. In one embodiment, the cryptogram generation module616may cause the processor604to receive a token request message (e.g., a message including a token, user exclusive data, etc.). Cryptogram generation module716may be configured to cause the processor604to generate a TAC using the token and/or user exclusive data. For example, the processor604may execute an algorithm such as the one discussed in connection withFIG. 5to generate a cryptogram (e.g., a TAC). The cryptogram generation module616may be configured to cause to the processor604to generate a token response message including the generated cryptogram (e.g., the TAC). The cryptogram data store620may be utilized by the processor604to maintain a correlation (e.g., a mapping) between a token and/or user exclusive data and the generated cryptogram. In some embodiments, if a cryptogram cannot be generated, a token response message may be generated and transmitted by the processor604to the token requestor indicating a reason the cryptogram could not be generated. In some embodiments, the generated cryptogram may be stored in the service provider account data store618as an association with a service provider account.

FIG. 7shows a block diagram700of a token provider computer (e.g., token provider computer114ofFIG. 1) according to an embodiment of the invention.

The token provider computer114may comprise a processor704, which may be coupled to a system memory706and an external communication interface708. A computer readable medium710may also be operatively coupled to the processor704. Computer readable medium710may also comprise code for implementing the methods discussed herein.

The computer readable medium710may comprise a number of software modules including a registration module712, a token generation module714, a cryptogram generation module716, and a token exchange module. Although these various modules are depicted as being internal to the token provider computer114, any number of these modules may instead be implemented as separate systems external to the token provider computer114.

The registration module712may comprise code which can cause the processor704to register a token requestor entity with a token data store730and to generate a token requestor identifier for the registered entity. Some non-limiting examples of the token requestor entities may include authorizing entities (e.g., issuers), service providers (e.g., digital wallet providers), resource providers (e.g., merchants, e-commerce merchants, transit authorities, etc.), transaction processors (e.g., payment processing networks), transport providers (e.g., acquirers), mobile devices (e.g., user devices such as user device104), or subcomponents and applications thereof.

The registration module712may be configured to cause the processor704to receive registration information such as an entity name, contact information, an entity type (e.g., user, resource provider, service provider, transaction processor, authorizing entity, transport entity, etc.), and any other relevant information for token generation processing. In some examples, registration module712may be configured to cause the processor704to provide one or more interfaces for collecting registration information. Such interfaces may be provided by the processor704and rendered via an application and/or website managed by the processor704as part of the functionality of registration module712. In some embodiments, the registration module712may cause the processor704to validate the information and store the token requestor details in the token data store730. The registration module712may also generate a token requestor ID after successful registration. In some embodiments, the token requestor ID may be a ten digit numerical value. However, other formats of the token requestor identifier are possible.

The token generation module714may be configured to cause the processor704generate a token in response to a token request message from a token requestor (e.g., user device104). In one embodiment, the token generation module714may cause the processor704to receive a token request message (e.g., a message including a token requestor ID, an account number (e.g., PAN), an expiration date, a CVV2, etc.). In some embodiments, the token generation module714may cause the processor704to validate the token requestor ID and generate a token for the account number. In one embodiment, the token generation module714may cause the processor704to generate a token response message including the generated token. The token data store730may be utilized by the processor704to maintain a correlation (e.g., a mapping) between an account number, a token requestor ID, and a token. In one embodiment, the token generation module714may determine if a token already exists in the token data store730for the account number associated with the token requestor ID before generating a new token. In some embodiments, if a token cannot be generated, a token response message may be transmitted by the processor704to the requestor indicating a reason the token cannot be generated.

The cryptogram generation module716may be configured to cause the processor704generate a cryptogram (e.g., a TAC) in response to a token request message from a token requestor. In one embodiment, the cryptogram generation module716may cause the processor704to receive a token request message (e.g., a message including a token requestor ID, a token, user exclusive data, etc.). In some embodiments, the token may be obtained from the token generation module714or retrieved from the token data store730rather than being received via a token request message.

In some embodiments, the cryptogram generation module716may be configured to cause the processor704to generate a TAC using the token and the received user exclusive data. For example, the processor704may execute an algorithm such as the one discussed in connection withFIG. 5to generate a cryptogram (e.g., a TAC). The cryptogram generation module716may be configured to cause to the processor704to generate a token response message including the generated cryptogram. In The cryptogram data store732may be utilized by the processor704to maintain a correlation (e.g., a mapping) between a token requestor ID, user exclusive data, a token, a cryptogram (e.g., a TAC), or any suitable combination of the above. In some embodiments, if a cryptogram cannot be generated, the token response message may be transmitted by the processor704to the token requestor indicating a reason the cryptogram could not be generated.

In some embodiments, a token and TAC may be generated/provisioned as a result of a single token request message. In still further embodiments, a token and a TAC may be maintained in a single data store in a common record/association. For example, instead of separate mappings, a single mapping including account information, a token, a TAC, and a token requestor ID may be maintained by the processor704. In some embodiments, registration, token generation, and cryptogram generation, or any suitable combination of the above may be performed as part of processing a single token request message.

The token exchange module718may comprise code, executable by the processor704, to cause the processor704to allow registered entities to request account information (e.g., a PAN) for a given token. For example, the transaction processing computer112ofFIG. 1, may issue a request for a token exchange during a payment transaction. In one embodiment, a registered entity can provide a token requestor ID, a token, or any suitable information to request the account information. The token exchange module718may validate that the requesting entity is entitled to make a request for a token exchange. In one embodiment, the token exchange module718may be configured to cause the processor to validate the account information/token mapping (e.g., a PAN to token mapping). Upon successful validation, the token exchange module718may be configured to cause the processor704to retrieve the account information and provide it to the requesting entity. In one embodiment, if the account information/token mapping is not valid, an error message may be provided.

Once received, the account information (e.g., a PAN) may be utilized by the requesting entity (e.g., transaction processing computer112) to perform further transaction processing. For example, transaction processing computer112may modify or generate an authorization request message to include the account information rather than a token.

By utilizing the methods described herein, a TAC may be used to validate a token which provides assurance to a receiving entity that the transaction is being requested by an authorized entity. The methods discussed herein further provide for a TAC to be utilized to pass secure information from one entity to another entity by embedding user exclusive information within a TAC and then packaging the TAC within a message (e.g., an authorization request message). Accordingly, information that is not transmitted in conventional systems, may now be embedded/encrypted within traditional messages (e.g., authorization request/response messages) to be utilized by a receiving entity for any suitable purpose. Additionally, the methods described herein provide for a TAC that may be utilized simultaneously as both a validation tool and a secure data transmission tool and transmitted in a single message.

As described, the inventive service may involve implementing one or more functions, processes, operations or method steps. In some embodiments, the functions, processes, operations or method steps may be implemented as a result of the execution of a set of instructions or software code by a suitably-programmed computing device, microprocessor, data processor, or the like. The set of instructions or software code may be stored in a memory or other form of data storage element which is accessed by the computing device, microprocessor, etc. In other embodiments, the functions, processes, operations or method steps may be implemented by firmware or a dedicated processor, integrated circuit, etc.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described in detail and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not intended to be restrictive of the broad invention, and that this invention is not to be limited to the specific arrangements and constructions shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those with ordinary skill in the art.