Patent ID: 8060742

Claim:
An apparatus for secure data communication services over a public-switched telephone network (PSTN), comprising: a telephony switch configured for operation on the PSTN for routing calls between a sender device and a receiver device which are configured for accessing the PSTN; a telephony server associated with a trusted service provider configured for controlling a telephony switch to secure the exchange of data between a sender device and a receiver device; wherein the telephony switch is configured for operation on the PSTN for routing calls between a sender device and a receiver device which are configured for accessing the PSTN; a computer within said telephony server; and programming executable on said computer of said telephony server for, authenticating said sender device and said receiver device, in response to steps comprising: receiving a first encrypted transmission from said sender device which includes sender authentication information and identification information for a receiver device to which secure communication is intended; verifying authenticity of said sender device by said telephony server; generating a second encrypted transmission as an authentication transmission transmitted from said telephony server to said receiver device; receiving authentication information back from said receiver device; and verifying authenticity of said receiver device by said telephony server; executing a secure communication service by said telephony server operating through a local exchange carrier and/or long distance carrier, establishing a connection over the PSTN through said telephony switch from the sender device to the receiver device for said secure communication service, and creating a record for billing of secure communication service performed by said telephony server over the PSTN by submitting charges to appear on the telephone bill of the call initiator, call recipient, or a third party.