Patent Publication Number: US-10778671-B2

Title: Token device re-synchronization through a network solution

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/619,755, filed Jun. 12, 2017, which is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/195,431, filed on Jun. 28, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/015,895, filed on Aug. 30, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,398,003, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No 11/620,321 filed Jan. 5, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,543,829, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present application relates generally to the technical field of online security and, in one specific example, the use of a double One-Time-Password (OTP) token in the course of authenticating a user and a website during the course of conducting online transactions. 
     BACKGROUND 
     OTP tokens are used to verify the identity of a user of, for example, an e-commerce site, banking site, or other site that requires verification. The verification operation works by taking password values from two separate but synchronized clocks, and comparing these values. In some instances, a clock may reside on a hand held device, while a second clock may reside on a third-party authentication server. This type of verification uses passwords based upon clocks or “Synchronized One-Time Passwords.” The hand held devices can include devices such as key fobs, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), or cell phones. The time synchronized passwords are known as tokens, or OTP tokens. 
     OTP tokens are commonly used to verify the identity of the holder of the security token. For example, in the e-commerce context, the holder of an OTP token value may use this token to verify their identity, and once this identity is verified, the holder is able to purchase goods and services from the site. While OTP tokens are effective at verifying the identity of the token holder, they are not effective at verifying the identity of, for example, the site with which the token holder is transacting business. This type of verification is necessary in cases of, for example, phishing attacks and other types of e-commerce fraud. Phishers attempt to fraudulently acquire sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card details, by masquerading as a trustworthy person or business in an electronic communication. Phishing is typically carried out using email or an instant message. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Some embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an example system for two-factor authentication. 
         FIG. 2  is an interface diagram illustrating an example GUI in the form of a web page. 
         FIG. 3  is a dual stream flowchart illustrating an example method for two-factor authentication. 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective, side and front views of an example dual OTP key fob. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic of various example hardware and software components that may be used to create a dual OTP key fob. 
         FIG. 6  is a network diagram describing the initiation of a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol connection by a dual OTP token device with a secured verification site. 
         FIG. 7  is a network diagram illustrating the updating of a clock time on a dual OTP token device. 
         FIG. 8  is a flow chart illustrating an example method applied in the updating of a clock time on a dual OTP token device. 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating the various sub-modules make up an example method underlying the above described module. 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating second example method for two-factor-authentication illustrated. 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart illustrating an example method for generating two OTP tokens using a device. 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating an example method for generating two OTP tokens using a token generation algorithm. 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example platform architecture. 
         FIG. 14  shows a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the example form of a computer system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED ILLUSTRATION 
     Example methods and systems to further online security are described. In the following illustration, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of example embodiments. It is evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. 
     The leading digit(s) of reference numbers appearing in the Figures generally corresponds to the Figure number in which that component is first introduced, such that the same reference number is used throughout to refer to an identical component which appears in multiple Figures. Signals and connections may be referred to by the same reference number or label, and the actual meaning is clear from its use in the context of the illustration. 
     In some embodiments, a user (e.g., Alice) utilizes a double OTP token device that has one or more buttons to generate one or more OTP tokens. In one embodiment, this dual OTP token device is, in effect, two entirely separate security keys contained in one device. As is more fully described below, these tokens, however, are generated using the same internal clock. The operation for using this double OTP token device can be described as follows. Alice goes to a secure site such as EBAY™ (e.g., www.ebay.com). She enters her username and password on the site&#39;s main page. The site verifies the credentials and sends a request to a third-party authentication site such as, for example, VERISIGN™, for what is Alice&#39;s first current OTP token value. The third-party authentication site returns a value (e.g., 123456). The site presents this value to Alice, along with some other six-digit randomly chosen numbers, along with a message requesting Alice to obtain a token value from her dual OTP token device (e.g., Alice need to press the black button on her device). Alice obtains the value and sees 123456. Alice verifies that this number appears in the list of numbers displayed by the site. Next, Alice obtains the second OTP token value by, for example, pressing the white button. Once this value is obtained, she enters it into a text box or other input object/widget on the site&#39;s web page. The site then sends this value to the third-party authentication site for verification. If the second token value is verified, then the third-party authentication site returns a “yes” indication to the site, and Alice is free to transact business with the site. As is discussed more fully below, the use of these two tokens is an example of a two-factor-authentication system. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing an example system  100 . Some example embodiments may include a set  101  containing a variety of devices that can be used to generate two OTP tokens using one clock synchronized with a clock residing on a third-party authentication server. These devices facilitate two-factor-authentication via using a combination of a shared secret in the form of two (2) unique serial numbers used in combination with a clock value synchronized with an authentication web site and servers operating thereon. A double OTP token device may include devices such as a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)  102 , a cell phone  103 , or a dual OTP key fob  104 . A user  106  using a computer system  105  enters their password and identification information into a web page. This information is sent via a network connection  107  to a site  113 . Once the user&#39;s password and identification values are verified, a web page  108  is displayed to the user  106  via the computer system  105 . 
     This web page  108  may contain at least two fields. A first field (e.g., prompt  109 ) contains a series of OTP token values which may be six-digit values, seven-digit values, eight-digit values, or some other suitable size token. These values are actual OTP token values, whereas in other embodiments some of these values are pseudo-OTP token values appearing in combination with authentic OTP token values. A second field (e.g., prompt  110 ) of this web page  108  contains a text box, drop-down menu, object, or widget where a user  106  can enter or select a token value. A user  106  may review the first field of the web page  108  to determine whether one of the displayed token values corresponds to one of the two values displayed on one of the members of the set  101 . Once a user  106  verifies that this value exists in this first field, the user  106  may then look for a second value presented in one of the members of the set  101  to enter into the textbox or other input object, contained in the second field of the web page  108 . Once the user  106  enters this second token value, the second token value is sent to the site  113  for verification (see e.g.,  111 ). 
     The second token value is then compared to token values received from a secured verification site  112  (e.g., the site of the third-party authentication server). This secured verification site  112  uses asymmetric encryption (e.g., Rivest, Shamir and Adleman (RSA) encryption), symmetrical encryption (e.g., Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption), or a hybrid encryption (Hybrid-Crypto) system. Three or more tokens may be returned from the secured verification site  112  to the site  113 . If the verification of the second OTP token value is successful, then the user  106  is allowed to proceed with the transaction. (See e.g.,  114 ) 
     A Three-Tier Architecture 
     An example embodiment may be a distributed or non-distributed software application designed under a three-tier software architecture paradigm, whereby the various modules of computer code that make up application can be categorized as belonging to one or more of these tiers. The first tier is an interface level that is relatively free of application processing. The second tier is a logic level that performs processing in the form of logical/mathematical manipulations (logical manipulations) of data inputted through the interface level, and communicates the results of these logical manipulations with the interface and/or backend or storage level. These logical manipulations may relate to certain business rules or tasks that govern the application as a whole. These logical manipulations and associated business rules include rules to facilitate the verification of two or more OTP tokens via one or more web pages (e.g., web page  108 ). More to the point, the logic level helps to establish a two-factor-authentication system whereby a user (e.g., user  106 ) is asked to meet the “what you have” or “what you are” factor by providing a valid OTP token value to an authenticating third party (e.g., secured verification site  112 ) and the “what you know” factor by matching a second OTP token value to those values provided by the third-authenticating party. The storage level is a persistent storage medium or non-persistent storage medium. One or more of these tiers may be collapsed into another, resulting in a two-tier architecture, or one-tier architecture. For example, the interface and logic levels may be consolidated, or the logic and storage level may be consolidated, as in the case of an application with an embedded database. This three-tier architecture may be implemented using one technology, or as is discussed below, a variety of technologies. These technologies may include one or more object-oriented programming languages such as, for example, Java™, C++, Delphi™, C #™, or the like. Additionally, structured programming languages such as, for example, C may also be used. Moreover, scripting languages such as, for example, Perl, Python, PHP, JavaScript or VBScript™ may also be used. This three-tier architecture, and the technologies through which it is implemented, can be implemented in two or more computers organized in a server-client relationship, as is well known in the art, such that an interface level resides on a client computer, whereas a logic level resides on the application server (see below) and the storage level resides on a database server (see below). Moreover, these three tiers can be distributed between two or more computers organized in a peer-to-peer configuration whereby, for example, the storage level is distributed across a plurality of computer systems. Put another way, these three levels may be distributed between the two or more computers. 
     An Interface Level 
     A further example embodiment may be implemented using a client-so architecture, and using a client-based application (e.g., a browser application or a programmatic client application). Some well-known client-based browser applications include NETSCAPE™, INTERNET EXPLORER™, MOZILLA FIREFOX™, OPERA™, or some other suitable browser application. Common to these browser applications is the ability to utilize a HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) or Secured Hyper-Text Transfer Protocol (HTTPS) to get, upload (e.g., PUT) or delete web pages and interpret these web pages, which are written in a hyper-text mark-up language (HTML) and/or an Extensible-Mark-up Language (XML). HTTP and HTTPS are well known in the art, as are HTML and XML. HTTP and HTTPS may be used in conjunction with a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) as described in the Open Systems interconnection (OSI) model, or the TCP protocol stack model, both of which are well known in the art. The practical purpose of the client-based browser application is to enable a user to interact with the application through the display of plain text, and/or interactive dynamic functionality in the form of buttons, text boxes, scroll down bars or other objects contained on one or more web pages constructed using the aforementioned HTML and/or XML. 
     Web pages may be static or dynamic in nature. Those that are static typically display text as one would see it on a printed, physical page. Dynamic web pages, however, are interactive and allow for a user to input data, query data, and/or modify data just to name a few of the functionalities associated with dynamic web pages. The dynamic nature of web pages is a product of the use of the other technologies in combination with HTML and/or XML. 
     Java Server Page (JSP™), or Active Server Pages (ASP™ or ASP.NET™) (collectively server pages) may be used to provide a user with dynamic web pages or content via their web browser. Additional technology in the form of an additional program (e.g., routine) written in another programming language is embedded into the HTML and/or XML code, allowing for web pages to become dynamic. Some of these additional technologies include, for example, embedded routines written in the JAVA programming language, the JavaScrip™ language, or the VBSCRIPT programming language or some other suitable programming language. These embedded routines are used to execute the aforementioned HTTP, HTTPS requests (e.g., GET, PUT, and DELETE) for web pages. Various types of programming structures such as branches, loops and other types of logic structures are used in such routines. These routines may allow a user to log in and request content to upload or download. For example, a GUI is used and is implemented via a Java Servlet, Applet, or VBScript or C # form, or some other suitable programming language. As is discussed below, web pages containing GUIs are stored at the logic level, but executed at the interface level via a web browser. These server pages contain objects such as text boxes, buttons, scroll-down bars, or some other suitable dynamic interface object. These objects, and the routines governing them, allow a user to retrieve, input, or delete content, just to name few of the functions. For example, a user is prompted with a login page requesting username and password information to be entered into two or more text boxes. Once the data entered into the text boxes is verified, a second, new web page is requested, interpreted and displayed in the browser application. The verification of the login information would take place at the logic level outlined below. 
     In some embodiments, once login and user ID information is verified, the user may be sent one or more web pages containing OTP token values and/or text boxes or other objects, and widgets into which to input or select OTP token values. For example, a user is prompted with a web page containing one or more fields, including a first field with a list of first OTP token values, and a second field with a text box, or other object, widget into which to enter a second OTP value. Two or more web pages may be used, instead of one web page (e.g.,  108 ), to display and enter OTP token values. 
       FIG. 2  is a user interface diagram illustrating an example GUI  201 , in the form of a web page  108 . It will be appreciated that the GUI  201  may be generated utilising any one of a number of other technologies, such as Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX), Adobe FLASH etc. Illustrated is a list  202  of values to match with a first token. These values are themselves OTP token values generated by a secured verification site  112 , or, in some embodiments, a site  113  and the servers used to maintain each of these respective sites. A user, such as user  106 , may generate their own first OTP token values using, for example, one of the devices  101  and compare a first one of these OTP token values to the values on the list  202 . Also illustrated is a text box  203  wherein a user, such as user  106 , may input a second OTP token value generated by one of the devices  101 . Once entered, a send token button  204  is executed. Collectively the list  202  and text box  203  allow for two factor authentication, for the list  202  allows for a web site (e.g.,  113 ) to prove the “what you have” or “what you are” factor by providing a valid OTP token value to a user (e.g.,  106 ), and the “what you know” factor is proven by the user via inputting an OTP token value into the text box  203  and sending it to the site  113  or  112 . 
     Logic Level 
     The above described Servlets, Applets, and/or VBScript forms may be stored as a JSP™, or ASP™ on one or more remote server computers connected to the client computer via an Internet. These remote servers can be a web browser and/or application server. Web servers running JSP™ can include the APACHE™/APACHE TOMCAT™ web server. Web servers running ASP™ can include a MICROSOFT WINDOW WEB SERVER 2003™. Application servers running JSP™ can include ORION APPLICATION SERVER™ or other J2EE™ certified application servers. Application servers running ASP™ can include WINDOWS SERVER 2003™. 
     The logic level may be governed by a scripting language that controls how and when certain web pages or pieces of content are provided to, or made accessible to, a particular user. This scripting language can be in the form of Java, Perl, Python, or some other general purpose scripting language. For example, once the logic of a JSP™ determines that a particular object (e.g., a text box) on a web page has been executed (e.g., a username and password has been entered and sent), the data from this text box is inputted and sent to a web or application server. It is the routine written in a scripting language that determines whether, for example, the username and password are valid. The routine written in a scripting language may serve to retrieve data from a storage, data structure, or data base level. The storage level may be run by a separate database application, while in other embodiments a database embedded with a logic level is implemented. 
       FIG. 3  is a dual stream flowchart illustrating an example method  300  for two-factor authentication. Illustrated is a module  301  and  302  residing on one or more of the devices  101 . The module  301  generates two or more clock values from a shared clock. Once these values are generated, then a passed to the module  302  wherein they are hashed using a hashing function (see below description of hashing function) into two or more OTP token values. One of these OTP token values (e.g., a third OTP token value) is provided to a computer system  105  by, for example, a user  106  inputting the value through some type of port connection (e.g., a Universal Serial Bus (USB)). Module  303  receives third OTP token values via, for example, the USB port. By providing this third OTP token value, one of the two factors of authentication may be met. In some embodiments, this OTP token value is passed to a module  304  that transmits this third OTP token value to a module  308  residing on a site secured verification site  113  and the servers managing this site. Also illustrated are modules  305 ,  306 , and  307  that are a part of secured verification site  112  and the servers that manage this site. Module  305 , like module  301 , generates two or more clock values that are passed through a module  306  wherein a hashing function is applied to generate OTP token values (e.g., a first and second OTP token value). These OTP token values are then passed to a module  307  for transmission across a network (e.g., an Internet) to a module  308  that receives not only the third OTP token value, but also, the first and second OTP token values. Once these various OTP token values (e.g., the first, second and third OTP token values) are received, they are passed onto a module  309  for comparison, wherein the values of the second and third OTP tokens are compared, and where found to be synchronized, a verification or, in some cases a non-verification signal where non-synchronization occurs, is passed to the module  310 . In some embodiments, the module  309  de-hashes (e.g., uses reverse hashing) the OTP token values it receives and once de-hashed the resulting clock values are compared for a determination as to whether the values are synchronized. In some embodiments, it is the site  113  that executes the module  309 , whereas in other embodiment it is the secured verification site  112  that executed this module  309 . 
     Storage Level 
     A storage level may be implemented whereby tables of data are created, and data is inserted into, and selected from, these tables using a structured query language (SQL) or some other database-related language known in the art. These tables of data can be managed using a database application such as, for example, MYSQL™, SQLSERVER™, Oracle 9I™ or 10G™, or some other suitable database application. These tables are organized into a Relational-Database Schema (RDS) or Object-Relational-Database Schemas (ORDS), as is known in the art. These schemas can be normalized using certain normalization algorithms so as to avoid abnormalities such as non-additive joins and other problems. These normalization algorithms include Boyce-Codd Normal form or some other normalization, optimization algorithm known in the art. For example, some embodiments may include username and associated password information being stored together such that the scripting routine can compare the inputted, received username and password information to that data stored in the database. The secured verification site  112  may have a number of tables containing one or more serial numbers for a particular double OTP token device and the associated clock value, and clock cycle setting for a particular device. These tables may be able track whether a particular device has been activated. This tracking is based upon the unique serial number or numbers of the particular device. 
     Distributed Computing Modules 
     In some embodiments, remote procedure calls are used to implement one or more of the above described levels of the three-tier architecture across a distributed programming environment. For example, a logic level resides on a first computer system that is remotely located from a second computer system containing an interface or storage level. These first and second computer systems can be configured in a server-client, peer-to-peer or some other suitable configuration. These various levels can be written using the above described component design principles, and can be written in the same programming language, or a different programming language. Various protocols may be implemented to enable these various levels, and components contained therein, to communicate regardless of the programming language used to write these components. For example, a module written in C++ using COBRA or SOAP can communicate with another remote module written in Java™. These protocols include Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), and the Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) or some other suitable protocol. These protocols are well-known in the art. 
     A System of Transmission Between a Server and Client 
     Example embodiments may use the OSI or TCP/IP protocol stack models for defining a network across which to pass data. Applying these models, a system of data transmission between a server and client computer system can be described as a series of roughly five layers comprising a: physical layer, data link layer, network layer, transport layer and application layer. The various levels (e.g., the interface, logic and storage levels) reside on the application layer of the TCP/IP protocol stack. The present application may utilize HTTP to transmit content between the server and client applications, whereas in other embodiments another protocol known in the art is utilized. Content from an application residing at the application layer is loaded into the data load field of a TCP segment residing at the transport layer. This TCP segment also contains port information for a recipient application residing remotely. This TCP segment may be loaded into the data field of an IP or User Datagram Protocol (UDP) datagram residing at the network layer. Next, this IP datagram is loaded into a frame residing at the data link layer. This frame is then encoded at the physical layer and the content transmitted over a network such as an Internet, LAN or WAN. Internet refers to a network of networks. Such networks may use a variety of protocols for exchange of information, such as TCP/IP, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), etc., and may be used within a variety of topologies or structures. This network may include a Carrier Sensing Multiple Access Network (CSMA) such an Ethernet based network. 
     Double OTP Token Device: Dual OTP Key Fob 
       FIG. 4  shows perspective, side and front views of an example dual OTP key fob  400 . In some embodiments, a screen  401  displays a first OTP token. A second screen  402  displays a second OTP token. A button  403  may allow an OTP token value to be displayed to a screen  401 . A button  404  may allow a second OTP token value to be displayed to a screen  402 . Some embodiments may include the color coding of the buttons  403  and  404  to denote a first button and a second button. For example, button  403  may be black, while button  404  could be white. A key ring  405  allows the dual OTP key fob  400  to be operatively coupled to a key chain or other convenient means of carrying the fob. Some embodiments may include a USB plug  406 . Illustrated in  FIG. 4  is a side view showing button  403 , key ring  405 , and USB plug  406 . Also illustrated is a top-down view showing screens  401 ,  402 , buttons  403 ,  404 , key ring  405 , and USB plug  406 . Dual OTP key fob  104  is an example of dual OTP key fob  400 . 
       FIG. 5  is an example schematic  500  of various hardware and software components that can be used to create a dual OTP key fob  400 . These various components can all be hardware, whereas, in other embodiments, these components can all be software, firmware, or these components can be a combination of the aforementioned. A CPU  501  may be used to perform various mathematical operations. Contained within the CPU  501 , for example, are various adders and multipliers, or only adders, or only multipliers. CPU  501  is able to process a 20 bit, 21 bit or some other suitable size word. The CPU  501  is operatively coupled to a battery  502 . A battery  502  may be a rechargeable battery, whereas, in other embodiments, it may be a disposable battery. The CPU  501  and battery  502  are connected via a bus  514 . The CPU  501  is operatively coupled via a bus  514  to a piece of memory  504 . The memory  504  is used to store values derived from a clock  503 , whereas in other embodiments this memory is used to store OTP token values. These values can be one or more sequential clock values (e.g., integers) or serial clock values, or these values can be serial clock values or sequential clock values that have been hashed via a hashing function  516  that is also operatively coupled to both the CPU  501  and the clock  503 . This memory  504  can also contain various input/output drivers  505  and/or the aforementioned hashing function  516 . This memory  504  can be of some suitable size including, for example, a 64 kilobyte or megabyte memory, a 128 kilobyte or megabyte memory, or a 256 kilobyte or megabyte memory, or some other suitable memory size. This memory size may be contingent upon whether additional memory is needed to use the device to store data (e.g., data files, media files), in addition to, OTP token values. Various input/output drivers  505  are operatively coupled via a bus  514  to a CPU  501 . These input/output drivers  505  are then operatively coupled to various input/output devices via various buses  514 . An optional USB plug  515  is connected to the input/output drivers  505 , The USB plug  515  may provide power to recharge the battery  502 . Additionally, through this USB plug  515 , clock synchronization takes place between a clock  503  as a part of the device and a clock located remotely as a part of, for example, an authentication server. Other types of data transfer and synchronization can take place via the USB plug  515 . In lieu of, or in addition to, the USB plug  515 , a BLUE TOOTH™ transmitter/receiver  517  may be implemented to allow for the wireless transfer of data between a dual OTP key fob  400 , and, for example, an secured verification site  112 . In cases where the BLUE TOOTH™ transmitter/receiver  517  is implemented, the transfer of data (e.g., clock data) is facilitated through the use of a computer system  105  that receives data from the dual OTP key fob via the the BLUE TOOTH™ transmitter and receiver  517 , and then transmits this data via a network interface device operatively coupled to the computer system  105  (see below description of the computer system). A first screen  506  may be operatively coupled to the input/output drivers  505 . A second screen  507  is operatively coupled to the input/output drivers  505  via a bus  514 . In some embodiments, only one screen (e.g.,  506  or  507 ), is operatively coupled to the input/output drivers  505  (not illustrated). Example embodiments may further include the screen  506  and/or  507  as having liquid crystal displays, whereas in other embodiments they are another type of suitable display including, but not limited to, a color screen, a monochrome screen or some other suitable screen. The buttons  508  and  509  (e.g., a biased switches) may be operatively to the input/output drivers  505  via a bus  514 . Both buttons  508  and  509  may be used in the dual OTP key fob  500 , whereas in other embodiments only one button (e.g.,  508  or  509 ) is used in the device. A hashing function  516  may be implemented. This hashing function  516  is used to hash various integer or other type of numeric values derived from the clock  503  to which it is operatively coupled via, for example, a bus  514 . Once these values derived from clock  503  are hashed via the hashing function  516 . The hashing function  516  may implement an operation  405 . 
     Some embodiments may include a memory  504  that may be Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Random-Access Memory (RAM), Flash memory or some other suitable memory type. Some embodiments may include EEPROM where the dual OTP key fob  500  is completely powered down, whereas if the dual OTP key fob  500  is going to continue to use memory (e.g., to power the clock  503 ), RAM may be preferable. Moreover, if the device is going to be used for things (e.g., storing data), in addition to the generation and storage of tokens, then Flash memory may be preferable. 
     In some embodiments, the battery  502  may be a Lithium-ion battery, Lithium-ion polymer battery, Nickel-cadmium battery, Nickel metal hydride battery, or some other suitable rechargeable battery. Further, the battery  502  may be an alkaline battery, Lithium battery, Silver-oxide battery, or some other suitable battery type. Moreover, the battery  502  may be a 1.5 volt, 1.55 volt, 3 volt or some other battery of a suitable voltage. 
     In some example embodiments, the clock  503  may be an application written in software and saved into the memory  504 , whereas, in other embodiments, it may be completely implemented using hardware. The values generated by the clock  503  are integer values. Where the clock  503  is implemented in hardware, an additional software module may be needed to allow for the re-synchronization of the clock with another clock contained on, for example, an authentication server such as the secured verification site  112 . Re-synchronization may take the form of the software module, compensating for the difference between the clock signal and the clock value as reflected in the secured verification site  112 . In providing this compensation, the problem of token drift can be addressed. 
     In some example embodiments, a BLUE TOOTH™-based transmitter/receiver  517  is operatively coupled to the I/O driver  505 . This transmitter/receiver  517  is a BLUE TOOTH™ transmitter and implements the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard 802.15.1 or some other suitable protocol. Data including, for example, a clock current time request is transmitted from the transmitter/receiver  517  to a BLUE TOOTH™ USB adapter operatively coupled to a USB port residing on a computer system  105 . In some embodiments, BLUE TOOTH™ 1.0, 1.0B, 1.1, 1.2, or 2.0 is implemented as a part of the I/O driver  505 . A unique 48-bit address may be associated with the dual OTP token device allowing the device to be unique or distinguishable from other devices using the BLUE TOOTH™ protocol. This 48-bit address that makes up the dual OTP token device unique contains the serial number (e.g., 112346) associated with the dual OTP token device. Put another way, the 48-bit address is unique by virtue of the use of the serial number for the dual OTP token device being used in combination with other values. 
       FIG. 6  is a network diagram  600  describing the initiation of a TCP/IP connection by a dual OTP token device  104  with a secured verification site  112 . In some embodiments, a dual OTP token device  104  with a USB connector  515  is inserted into the USB port of a computer system  105 . Once inserted, a TCP/IP Connection  602  maybe initiated via HTTPS, or HTTP. Additionally, in some embodiments, a dual OTP device  104  with a BLUE TOOTH™ transmitter/receiver  517  is used to transmit data to and receive data from a computer system  105  through the TCP/IP connection  602 . This TCP/IP connection is initiated with the secured verification site  112  over a network  601 . In some embodiments, in lieu of a TCP/IP connection being initiated, a UDP/IP connection is initiated by the dual OTP token device  104 . 
       FIG. 7  is a network diagram  700  describing the updating of a clock time on a dual OTP token device  104 . In some example embodiments, a dual OTP token device  104  with a USB connector  615  is inserted into a computer system  105 . Once a TCP/IP connection is initiated via datagram  602 , a TCP/IP datagram  701  containing a request for the current time is sent over a network  601  to a secured verification site  112 . This request for a current time is denoted by packet  701  as described herein. Once the datagram  701  is sent, a second TCP/IP datagram referenced herein as  702  is sent by the secured verification site  112  across a network  701  to the computer system  105  and ultimately to the dual OTP token device  104 , where the clock time on the dual OTP token device  104  is updated with the current time contained in the TCP/IP datagram  702 . 
       FIG. 8  is a flow chart illustrating a method  800  applied in the updating of a clock time on a dual OTP token device  104 . In some embodiments, a user  106  inserts the dual OTP token device  104 , which contains an accompanying USB connector  615 , into a computer system  105 . Once inserted, a module  801  is automatically initiated, wherein the module  801  initiates a TCP/IP connection. The initiation of a TCP/IP connection is well known in the art. Once the TCP/IP connection is established via the module  801 , a second module  802  requests the current time from a secured verification site  112 . This request for current time is sent via a TCP/IP datagram. In some embodiments, once the secured verification site  112  receives the request for current time it transmits the current time via a second TCP/IP datagram to the computer system  105  and, ultimately, the dual OTP token device  104 . In some embodiments, the dual OTP token device  104  receives the current time via a module  803  and then, in turn, implements or executes a module  804  to update the clock residing on the OTP dual token device  104 . In some embodiments, this clock is the clock  503  referenced above. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating the various sub-modules that make up a method  900  underlying the above referenced module  802 . In some embodiments, a module  901  sends a current time request via a TCP/IP datagram to a specific port or socket located on the secured verification site  112 . A module  902  residing on the secured verification site  112  receives the request for the current time. Once this request is received, a third module  903  is executed that transmits the current time to a port or socket located on the computer system  105 . This transmission is across a network  701 , such as an internet, and is transmitted via a TCP/IP datagram. Once this TCP/IP datagram containing the current time is received, the clock  503  is updated. 
     Example Use Case 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating a second example method  1000  for two-factor-authentication. In some embodiments, a user  106  uses an operation  1002  to send password and ID information to an site via, for example, a web page  108 . This password and ID information is verified via a verifier  1003  such as a site  113 . If the password or the ID is unverified, then the user is re-prompted to enter correct password and ID information. If the password and ID are correct, then at operation  1004  the site  113  prompts the user with a web page  108  that allows the user to both review OTP token values, and enter OTP token values into the web page. To obtain OTP token values the user uses an operation  1005  wherein the user activates a double OTP token device (e.g., cell phone  103 , PDA  102 , or dual OTP key fob  104 ). 
     The user may then decide if the first token displayed on the double OTP token device is displayed on the web page  108  provided by operation  1004 . If the value is not displayed on the web page  108 , the user  106  may reinitiate the operation  1005  via an operation  1011  to obtain additional tokens using the double OTP token device. 
     The user  1001  may then determine that the site  113  has not been authenticated (e.g., according to the two-factor-authentication system, they have failed to prove the first factor: “what you (they) are”), and may cease the attempt to authenticate. If the value is on the web page  108 , then the user is forwarded to operation  1007 . 
     A decisional operation value  1006  is used to allow the user to determine whether or not the value is contained on the web page  108  or not. Operation  1007  allows the site  113  to send or forward a web page  108  to a user  106  to prompt the user  106  to enter in a second OTP token value taken from the double OTP token device. In terms of the two-factor-authentication system, this may allow the user to prove “what you (they) know.” A decisional operation  1008  allows the user to either proceed with the transaction (e.g., the buying or selling of goods or services), via an operation  1009  if a valid second OTP token value exists and is entered into the web page  108  displayed via an operation  1004 , or the user may be re-prompted via an operation  1010  to enter in a valid second OTP value. 
     An operation  1007  illustrates an encryption engine. In some embodiments, this encryption engine is displayed in  FIG. 7  as an encryption engine  721 . This encryption engine is responsible for encrypting and decrypting data including OTP token values sent between the site  113  and the computer system  105  and resides, for example, on the computer system  105 . The encryption engine may implement a symmetric key algorithm, whereas, in other embodiments, it may implement an asymmetric key algorithm (e.g., un-tethered and tethered systems of encryption). The symmetric algorithm may implement the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), or some other suitable encryption algorithm (e.g., DES, Triple-DES, IDEA, or Blowfish just to name a few). AES may use key sizes of, for example, 128, 192, or 256 bits. Some embodiments may include a tethered or asymmetric system that utilizes a public and private key (e.g., a key pair) to encrypt and decrypt an OTP token. Some well known asymmetric encryption algorithms include RSA, and Diffie-Hellman, just to name a few. The usefulness of a particular key size (symmetric or asymmetric) can be determined through empirical testing and/or modeling. The key size may be automatically determined by the encryption engine based upon some type of preset size. In still other embodiments, the key size is selected by the user to meet their particular needs. 
     In some example systems, a hybrid of symmetric and asymmetric encryption is employed, a system known as a hybrid-crypto system is employed via the operation  1007 . Under this system, one or more OTP token values may be encrypted using a symmetric key algorithm which, in turn, is then encrypted using an asymmetric key algorithm. Applying the hybrid-crypto system, a site  113  receives a one or more encrypted OTP token values. These token values are de-crypted with a public key held by the site. Once de-crypted, the remaining symmetric encryption is de-crypted with a symmetric key held by the site  113 . Alternatively, a public key of a symmetric key algorithm may be used as a signature to verify the identity of the requester of the OTP token value. 
       FIG. 11  is a flowchart illustrating an example method  1100  for generating two OTP tokens using a device. A user  106  may activate a device in the form of a double OTP token device (e.g., cell phone  103 , PDA  102 , or dual OTP key fob  104 ) via an operation  1102 . An operation  1103 , residing on one of these devices, is implemented wherein the device generates a first token value and a second token value using the same clock mechanism. An operation  1104 , again residing on one of these dual OTP token devices, displays two OTP token values on one or more screens. Then a decisional operation  1105  may prompt the user to determine whether the tokens are valid. As discussed elsewhere, the validity of the token may be based upon whether a first OTP token appears on a web page  108 , and whether a second OTP token is verified by, for example, an site  113  via a third-party authentication site (see e.g., secured verification site  112 ). The site  113  would itself perform the verification, in lieu of the third-party secured verification site  112 . If the OTP tokens are not valid, then the user is re-prompted with operation  1103  to generate two additional new OTP token values. If the tokens are valid, then the user is allowed to continue with the operation  1106 . 
       FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating an example method  1200  to generate two OTP tokens using a token generation algorithm. The logic depicted into this flow chart  1200  may be implemented in, for example, a PDA  102 , cell phone  103 , or dual OTP key fob  104 . An operation  1201  allows the user  1204  to activate the device. Some embodiments may include activation by way of a simple on/off button, touch screen, or a dedicated button to generate the two OTP token values. Once the device is switched on, an operation  1202  allows for the initialization of the memory in the device itself. 
     After the initialization operation  1202 , an operation  1203  may be executed to facilitate the generation of two or more clock values from a single clock. These two or more of these clock values are passed through an operation  1205  wherein an algorithm is used to convert these clock values into OTP token values. Then, an operation  1206  displays the first and second OTP token value on one or more screens. Next, a decisional operation  1207  may be executed wherein the user, or some automated module, determines whether the OTP token values are valid. If they are not valid, then the operation  1203  is re-executed. In the alternative, an operation  1208  may be executed wherein the transaction of good or services can be proceeded with once the OTP token values are successfully verified. 
     In some embodiments, an operation  1203  obtains a single clock value or a list of clock values. In one embodiment, this clock value can be as simple as a numeric value (e.g., an integer value), or as complex as a series of numeric values reflecting, for example, a date and time. Some embodiments may include a list containing these clock values that reflects the values over a specific range of time, clock ticks, or time increments. This single clock value or list of clock values may be rounded up the nearest cycle value (e.g., a whole integer value). For example, an OTP token value maybe 29.975, but the cycle value is set to increments of 30 (e.g., 30, 60, 90, 24530, and 55660). In such an example, a single clock value, or a list of clock values, is generated and rounded up to, for example, 30 or 24530. Some embodiments may include the single clock values being obtained, or synchronized with, a network connection as in the case of a PDA  103  or cell phone  104  operatively coupled to a network, wherein the PDA  103  or cell phone  104  receives single clock values from the network, or these devices receive a present time value that is then used to generate single clock values. 
     In some embodiments, the list of clock values obtained from operation  1203  is passed through an algorithm denoted by operation  1205  residing on, for example, one of the aforementioned dual OTP token devices  102 ,  103 , or  104 . The algorithm is applied via the operation  1205  to two or more clock values so as to hash, encrypt or otherwise modify the clock values to obscure their identity. In one embodiment, a time value is generated by the clock and is combined with a serial number value unique to the dual OTP taken device. The time value and serial number (e.g., a shared secret value) values are combined with a logical or Boolean operator such as “AND”, “XOR”, or some other suitable operator. Once combined, the resulting value is passed through a hashing or encryption algorithm contained in a function that resides in operation  1205 . This operation can be described as follows using an example clock value of 745, and a serial number of 112346:
     745 v 112346=745;   hashing_func(745)=242452 as a token value
 
The serial number (e.g., 112346) can be divided up into two or more sub values (e.g., 112 and 46), where each sub value is used as a serial number in the above described operation to generate an OTP token value. Some well known hashing algorithms include the Secure Hash Algorithm 1 (SHA-1), and the Message-Digest 5 (MD5) algorithm, just to name a few. Some well know encryption algorithms include the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), and the Data Encryption Standard (DES). Once obscured, these values are saved into a memory.
   

     In some embodiments, some type of encryption algorithm is used to obscure the clock values. In such an embodiment, a clock value is passed to an encryption algorithm that encrypts using, for example, symmetric encryption to obscure the clock value. This algorithm may be the previously referenced AES or DES. The encryption key used to encrypt may, in some cases, be the same for one of the devices of set  101 , and a third-party secured verification site  112 . Such a key value may be established at compile time. 
     In some embodiments, the operation  1205  generates token values based upon a set time interval or cycle. As described herein, this time interval can be set by the site or by the third-party authentication server (see e.g., the secured verification site  112 ). The OTP token value that is generated may be discrete and unrelated to pre-existing token values (e.g., it is a time-synchronized one-time password), whereas, in other embodiments, this token is based upon previously used or generated token values (e.g., a mathematical-algorithm-based one-time password or event based token). 
     In some embodiments, a two-factor-authentication system may use two or more sequentially generated tokens that correspond to two or more cycles. For example, in one embodiment, a user is prompted with a web page (see e.g., web page  108 ) containing an OTP token value that the user needs to verify. Verification occurs, in one embodiment, through the user obtaining a single OTP token value from a dual OTP token device that generates a single token (see above described operation for generating a first token). The user then compares this first token to the values appearing on the web page  108 . After waiting one or more cycles, the user obtains a second OTP token value from a device that generates a single token and inputs this second OTP token value into the same (e.g.,  108 ) or a different web page via a text box; drop down menu or other suitable object or widget appearing on a web page. Once this second OTP token value is verified the user is free to transact commerce on the site  113 . 
     Platform Architecture 
       FIG. 13  is an example platform architecture  1300  diagram. A third-party server  1301  contains various third-party authentication software modules  1304  that are operatively coupled to a network  1319 . Secured verification site  112  may contain software  1304 . This software  1304  may, for example, implement a symmetric, asymmetric, or a hybrid-crypto system. Some example embodiments may include a client machine  1302  with a web client  1305  that is also connected to a network  1319 . This web client may, for example, assist in the execution of operation  604  and the display of a web page  108  to be used to verify OTP token values. Example embodiments may also include a client machine  1303  with a programmatic client application  1306  that is operatively connected to an network  1319  via a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet or other type of network connection, collectively referred to herein as  1307 . This programmatic client application  1306  may, for example, allow for the two or more OTP token values generated by a double OTP token device (see e.g.,  102 ,  103  and  104 ) to be verified automatically via a USB, or other connection to, for example, a networked system  1308 . The client machines  1302  and  1303  may be computer systems  105 . The network  1319  is connected to a networked system  1308 . Example software and/or interfaces residing on this networked system  1308  include an API server  1310 , a web server or web interface  1309 , an application server  1313  that contains various applications including, for example, an OTP Transmission Engine  1321  (e.g., to execute operation  604 ), an OTP Comparison Engine  1322  (e.g., to execute decisional operation  608 ), an optional clock  1323  and an Encryption Engine  1320  (e.g., to execute part of operation  607 ). Some embodiments may include the optional clock  1323  to perform many of the same functions as the secured verification site  112  described above, in effectively collapsing the functionality of the secured authentication site  112  into the functionality of the application server  1313 . A database server  1317  is operatively coupled to one or more databases  1318 , and contains information relating to the above described storage level. 
     In some embodiments, the present invention is implemented on a digital processing system or computer system that includes a processor, which may represent one or more processors and may include one or more conventional types of such processors (e.g., x86, x86-64), such as an AMD processor, Intel Pentium processor or other suitable processor. A memory is coupled to the processor by a bus. The memory may be a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and/or may include static RAM (SRAM). The processor may also be coupled to other types of storage areas/memories (e.g., cache, Flash memory, disk, etc.), which could be considered as part of the memory or separate from the memory. 
     In some embodiments, a bus further couples the processor to a display controller, a mass memory or some type of computer-readable medium device, a modem or network interface card or adaptor, and an input/output (I/O) controller. The display controller may control, in a conventional manner, a display, which may represent a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, or other type of suitable display device. Computer-readable medium may include a mass memory magnetic, optical, magneto-optical, tape, and/or other type of machine-readable medium/device for storing information. For example, the computer-readable medium may represent a hard disk, a read-only or writeable optical CD, etc. A network adaptor card such as a modem or network interface card is used to exchange data across a network such as an Internet. The I/O controller controls I/O device(s), which may include one or more keyboards, mouse/trackball or other pointing devices, magnetic and/or optical disk drives, printers, scanners, digital cameras, microphones, etc. 
     The present invention may be implemented entirely in executable computer program instructions which are stored on a computer-readable medium or may be implemented in a combination of software and hardware, or in certain embodiments, entirely in hardware. 
     Embodiments within the scope of the present invention include computer-readable medium for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such computer-readable medium may be any available medium, which is accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable medium can comprise physical storage medium such as RAM, ROM, Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), CD-ROM or other optical-disk storage, magnetic-disk storage or other magnetic-storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions, computer-readable instructions, or data structures and which may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system. This physical storage medium may be fixed to the computer system as in the case of a magnetic drive or removable as in the case of an EEPROM device (e.g., flash memory device). 
     In some embodiments, when information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (e.g., either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer system, the connection is properly viewed as a computer-readable medium. Thus, any such connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable medium. Computer-executable or computer-readable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause a general-purpose computer system or special-purpose computer system to perform a certain function or group of functions. The computer-executable or computer-readable instructions may be, for example, binaries, or intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, or even source code. 
     In this illustration and in the following claims, a computer system is defined as one or more software modules, one or more hardware modules, or combinations thereof, that work together to perform operations on electronic data. For example, the definition of computer system includes the hardware modules of a personal computer, as well as software modules, such as the operating system of the personal computer. The physical layout of the modules is not important. A computer system may include one or more computers coupled via a network. Likewise, a computer system may include a single physical device (e.g., a mobile phone or PDA) where internal modules (e.g., a processor and memory) work together to perform operations on electronic data. 
     In some embodiments, the invention may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including hubs, routers, wireless Access Points (APs), wireless stations, personal computers, laptop computers, hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile telephones, PDAs, pagers, and the like. The invention can also be practiced in distributed system environments where local and remote computer systems, which are linked (e.g., either by hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired and wireless connections) through a network, both perform tasks. In a distributed system environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory-storage devices (see below). 
       FIG. 14  shows an example diagrammatic representation of machine in the example form of a computer system  1400  within which a set of instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, may be executed. In alternative embodiments, the machine operates as a standalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The machine may be a Personal Computer (PC), a tablet PC, a Set-Top Box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. Computer system  1400  may include client machines  902  and  903 , computer systems  105 , or networked system  908 . 
     The example computer system  1400  includes a processor  1402  a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) or both), a main memory  1401  and a static memory  1406 , which communicate with each other via a bus  1408 . The computer system  1400  may further include a video display unit  1410  (e.g., a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)). The computer system  1400  also includes an alphanumeric input device  1412  (e.g., a keyboard), a User Interface (UI) navigation device (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit  1416 , a signal generation device  1418  (e.g., a speaker) and a network interface device  1420 . 
     The disk drive unit  1416  includes a machine-readable medium  1422  on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g.,  1421 ) and data structures (e.g., software) embodying or utilized by any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The software may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory  1401  and/or within the processor  1402  during execution thereof by the computer system  1400 , the main memory  1401  and the processor  1402  also constituting machine-readable media. 
     The software may further be transmitted or received over a network  1426  via the network interface device  1420  utilizing any one of a number of well-known transfer protocols (e.g., HTTP, HTTPS). 
     While the machine-readable medium  1422  is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readable medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present invention, or that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying data structures utilized by or associated with such a set of instructions. The term “machine-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical and magnetic media, and carrier wave signals. 
     Marketplace Applications 
     Example embodiments may be used to facilitate e-commerce using two-factor authentication. For example, a user may obtain a dual token generating fob and use this fob to generate OTP token values for use in e-commerce. A user could, for example, log onto the web site using their password and user ID information. Upon a successful login, a user could then be prompted with an OTP token value in the form of a web page divided into two fields with the first field displaying a plurality of values, such as, for example, 647888, 656888, 702346, 400789, 934377, or some other suitable six-digit value. Seven digits, eight digits, nine digits or some other suitable sized number is used to represent an OTP token value. This same web page may contain a second field containing a text box, scroll down menu, or some other type of suitable object, or widget through which one can select the second OTP token value. Once one successfully logs onto the site using these two OTP token values, one could be free to transact commerce across the Internet. For example, one could purchase goods, services, bid on items, or engage in other financial transactions where the identity of both the user of the system and the identity of the e-commerce by itself would be a prerequisite to the exchange of any type of money, or other types of compensation, for a good or service. 
     In some embodiments, in addition to using as a dual OTP key fob  104 , other types of devices could be used to secure and authenticate access to any data across a network (e.g., the internet). For example, a clock mechanism could be a part of the software in a PDA  102  or cell phone  103  such that the PDA  102  or cell phone  103  could generate two OTP token values that could then be used during the course of engaging in e-commerce. And again, a key fob with a USB plug  506  could be inserted into a USB port. Once inserted, the dual OTP key fob  104  could then generate two OTP values which could then automatically be used to validate one&#39;s identity or verify one&#39;s identity to an site (e.g., complete both parts of the two-factor-authentication). In the case of using a PDA or a cell phone, one would activate the OTP token value generation algorithm in either one of these devices in order to obtain the two OTP token values. These tokens, in any case, would have to be used within a specified time period. This set time interval of cycle may be 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, or some other suitable period of time. This period of time can be predetermined by the secured authentication site  112  to which the OTP algorithm is synchronized and/or the OTP clock is synchronized, or it could be determined by the site  113  itself. This interval or cycle could be predetermined for each double OTP token device such that when the device is activated, the device&#39;s clock would be set to a specific cycle of time (e.g., it would generate token based upon a certain cycle). 
     In some embodiments, a double OTP token device can be used to transact commerce on an on-line bidding site or e-commerce  113  site such as, for example, the EBAY™ site. Through using this device a user can verify their seller identity to a potential buyer, or conversely, a buyer could authenticate their buyer identity to a potential seller. This would alleviate the need for verification of a buyer/seller through their on-line identity, or selling or buying handle. This token device may additionally then be used to facilitate the actual transaction or sale of goods or services, or buying of goods or services. That is, rather than the device being used merely to identify a buyer or seller on an auction site, such as EBAY™, such a device could be used to transact money across accounts being used during the course of bidding, buying or selling goods or services on such a site. 
     In some embodiments, a maintainer or a secured verification site  112  of site  113  may manufacture and sell these double OTP token devices. These devices are synchronized with the various authentication servers run by, for example, RSA™ or VERISIGN™ such that, if one would like to transact business on a particular site  113  they must first purchase a double OTP token device from the company maintaining the secured verification site  112 . 
     In some embodiments, the double OTP token device itself contains a login and password prompt wherein a user is first prompted for login and password information prior to being able to access OTP token values. 
     In terms of power supplies, the double OTP token device is battery powered, whereas in other embodiments as previously mentioned, it is powered via a rechargeable battery wherein the device&#39;s USB plug  506  is inserted into a USB port and derives electrical power from this port and also the charging of its battery or batteries via this port. 
     Some embodiments may include a system including a display operatively coupled to a computer system to view a web page containing a first OTP value, an input device (e.g., a mouse, light pen or other suitable device) operative coupled to the computer system to provide input in the form of a second OTP value, and a transmitter (e.g., a network adaptor card) operatively coupled to the computer system to facilitate transmission of the second OTP value. The system may also include an input device that is used to input the second OTP token value into the web page. Some embodiments may include the system wherein the input device is used to input the second OTP token value into a second web page. The system may include the input device as a double OTP token device that generates the first OTP value, and the second OTP value. Some embodiments may include the system wherein the double OTP token device includes at least one of a group of including a PDA  102 , cell phone  103 , and dual OTP key fob  105 . 
     A method may be described as including displaying a web page containing OTP token values, comparing a first OTP token value displayed on the web page, with a first OTP token value displayed on a portable device, inputting a second OTP token value displayed on the portable device into the web page, and transmitting the second OTP value. Some embodiments may include the method further comprising generating the first and second OTP token value by passing a first and second clock value through a token algorithm. The method may further include displaying the first OTP token value on a first screen of a portable device, and displaying the second OTP token value on a second screen of a portable device. Some embodiments may include the method further including verifying the second OTP token value by comparing it against an OTP token value received from a third-party verification server. The method further includes proceeding with a transaction once the second OTP token value is verified. 
     Example embodiments may also include a computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon for causing a suitably programmed computer to execute a method including displaying a web page containing OTP token values, comparing a first OTP token value displayed on the web page, with a first OTP token value displayed on a portable device, inputting a second OTP token value displayed on the portable device into the web page, and transmitting the second OTP value. 
     In some embodiments, an apparatus is described as comprising one or more processors to generate a first and second OTP token value by passing a first and second clock value through a token algorithm. Some embodiments may include the apparatus further including a clock operatively coupled to the one or more processors. Example embodiments may also include the apparatus wherein the clock is synchronized with another clock residing on a network. The apparatus may further comprise a display operatively coupled to the one or more processors to show the first OTP token value on a first screen of a portable device, and a display to show the second OTP token value on a second screen of a portable device. Moreover, the apparatus further includes a single screen operatively coupled to the one or more processors to show the first and second OTP token values. The apparatus is described as having the first and second OTP token values to include at least one of a group of including a six digit value, a seven digit value, and an eight digit value. The apparatus further comprises a first button that when pressed generates the first OTP value, and a second button that when pressed generates a second OTP value, wherein the first and second button are operatively coupled to the one or more processors. Additionally, the apparatus can be described as further comprising a key ring to allow the apparatus be operatively coupled to a set of keys. 
     Some embodiments may include an apparatus comprising means for displaying a web page containing OTP token values, means for comparing a first OTP token value displayed on the web page, with a first OTP token value displayed on a portable device, means for inputting a second OTP token value displayed on the portable device into the web page, and means for transmitting the second OTP value. 
     A system is illustrated as including an OTP device operatively coupled to a computer system to receive data from the computer system, and a server operatively coupled to the computer system via a network connection, wherein the OTP device includes a device selected from the group consisting of a dual OTP token Device, cell phone, and PDA. Moreover, the data may be current time data. Further, the OTP device may be operatively coupled to the computer system via a USB, wherein the USB transmits and receives data through a Blue Tooth connection. 
     A method is illustrated as including receiving a request to get current time from an OTP device, transmitting the current time across a network to the OTP device, and updating a clock in the OTP device to reflect the current time. Additionally, the method further includes requesting the current time from an authentication server over a network connection, wherein the network connection is a Blue Tooth connection. Additionally, the method further includes sending a current time request to a first port via the network connection, wherein the current time request is processed by a clock application. Moreover, the method further includes transmitting the current time to a second port. 
     A computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon is also illustrated for causing a suitably programmed computer to execute a method including a first set of instructions to receive a request relating to current time from an OTP device, a second set of instructions to transmit the current time to the OTP device, and a third set of instructions to update a clock in the OTP device to reflect the current time. 
     An apparatus is illustrated comprising one or more processors to generate two or more clock values, pass these two or more clock values through a hashing function to generate two or more OTP tokens, display these two or more OTP tokens on a screen, transmit data through a USB, and receive data through a USB, wherein the one or more processors transmit data through a Blue Tooth enabled transmitter, and receive data through a Blue Tooth enabled receiver. Further, the apparatus may include the one or more processors receiving electrical power through the USB, wherein the one or more processors control the recharging of one or more batteries. Additionally, the apparatus may include the one or more processors controlling the use of one or more buttons used to obtain two or more OTP tokens. 
     A method is illustrated as including initiating a TCP/IP connection, requesting a current time, receiving the current time, and updating a clock to reflect the current time. Additionally, the method may include sending the current time request to a specific port, receiving the current time request by a clock application, and transmitting the current time to a port. 
     An apparatus is illustrated as including means for initiating a TCP/IP connection, means for requesting a current time, means for receiving the current time, and means for updating a clock to reflect the current time. 
     It is to be understood that the above illustration is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Although numerous characteristics and advantages of various embodiments as described herein have been set forth in the foregoing illustration, together with details of the structure and function of various embodiments, many other embodiments and changes to details is apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above illustration. The scope of the invention should be, therefore, determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein,” respectively. Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. 
     The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), requiring an abstract that may allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it may not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed illustration, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Illustration, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.