An electronic device that is authenticated based on at least one physically unclonable function, comprising: a PUF element, the PUF element providing an input signal based on the at least one PUF, the at least one PUF having operational characteristics that are associated with unique physical features and providing the input signal based on the unique physical features; a processor, coupled to the PUF element, the processor generating a response in response to a challenge based on the PUF-based input signal, the challenge being sent by a trusted entity that manages an account associated with a user in possession of the electronic device, wherein the challenge is associated with a plurality of responses including a response returned to the trusted entity, the returned response being identified by a selection signal, and wherein the selection signal is determined by the electronic device, the electronic device selecting one of a plurality of response methods to process the challenge according to the selection signal to generate the returned response, the selection signal is communicated to the trusted entity together with the returned response, and wherein the trusted entity receives the selection signal and the retuned response and determines that the returned response is properly associated with one of the plurality of responses as suggested by the selection signal; and a communication interface, coupled to the processor, the communication interface receiving the challenge from and returning the returned response to the trusted entity, such that the trusted entity authenticates the electronic device by comparing the returned response to a challenge-response database associated with an identification number of the electronic device, which is communicated, during device authentication, between the trusted entity and the electronic device to associate the challenge and the returned response with the proper challenge-response database, wherein said challenge-response database was established based on a plurality of challenges and responses, the plurality of challenges and responses being recorded during production test of the processor before said processor being integrated into the electronic device. a PUF element, the PUF element providing an input signal based on the at least one PUF, the at least one PUF having operational characteristics that are associated with unique physical features and providing the input signal based on the unique physical features; a processor, coupled to the PUF element, the processor generating a response in response to a challenge based on the PUF-based input signal, the challenge being sent by a trusted entity that manages an account associated with a user in possession of the electronic device, wherein the challenge is associated with a plurality of responses including a response returned to the trusted entity, the returned response being identified by a selection signal, and wherein the selection signal is determined by the electronic device, the electronic device selecting one of a plurality of response methods to process the challenge according to the selection signal to generate the returned response, the selection signal is communicated to the trusted entity together with the returned response, and wherein the trusted entity receives the selection signal and the retuned response and determines that the returned response is properly associated with one of the plurality of responses as suggested by the selection signal; and a communication interface, coupled to the processor, the communication interface receiving the challenge from and returning the returned response to the trusted entity, such that the trusted entity authenticates the electronic device by comparing the returned response to a challenge-response database associated with an identification number of the electronic device, which is communicated, during device authentication, between the trusted entity and the electronic device to associate the challenge and the returned response with the proper challenge-response database, wherein said challenge-response database was established based on a plurality of challenges and responses, the plurality of challenges and responses being recorded during production test of the processor before said processor being integrated into the electronic device.