Systems and methods for storing data to a handheld device

Abstract

A portable, biometrically-secured device for facilitating various different types of in-person and online transactions. For example, the portable, biometrically-secured device can be used to safely perform in-person financial transactions, such as credit card transactions, in which the user's identity is biometrically authenticated. The portable, biometrically-secured device can also be used for performing biometrically-secured online transactions. For example, the portable, biometrically-secured device can be used to create a secure platform from which to make the online transactions by loading a secure operating system from the device to a host computer's volatile memory. Biometrically-secured online transactions can then be performed using the host computer. In one embodiment, the portable, biometrically-secured device facilitates online financial transactions that can be performed without transmitting a user's financial information to the online merchant.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to the following United States provisional patent applications, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to be considered part of this specification: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 745,514, filed Apr. 24, 2006, and entitled “INVISIDESK PRIVATE COMMUNICATION, AUTHENTICATION AND CONNECTION PORTAL”; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 859,168, filed Nov. 15, 2006, and entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING SECURE ONLINE CREDIT CARD TRANSACTIONS.”[0002] The present application is also related to the following applications filed on even date herewith, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: [0003] U.S. Patent Application No. ## / ###,###, entitled “PORTABLE DEVICE AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING SECURE TRANSACTIONS” (Attorney Docket FUTO.005A); [0004] U.S. Patent Application No. ## / ###,###, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING SECU...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent text describes a need for devices, systems, and methods for safely and securely facilitating in-person and online transactions. The patent describes a handheld device with a biometric sensor for securely authenticating user identification and performing biometric-secured online transactions. The device can also be used for performing secure in-person transactions. The technical effects of the patent text include improved security and authentication for transactions, increased efficiency and convenience for users, and reduced risk of fraud and unauthorized access."

Problems solved by technology

Due to the prevalence of financial fraud, identity theft, and related schemes, it has become increasingly difficult to safely and securely participate in certain online and in-person transactions.

However, in many cases the host computer contains malware, such as viruses, worms, spyware, key-logger programs, etc., which endangers the privacy of transactions performed using the host computer.

Not only are these transactions subject to fraud since there are few protections in place to ensure that the purchase is being made by an authorized party, but even in the case where the purchaser is an authorized user of the card, he typically must submit his credit card information to the online merchant.

Such widespread dissemination increases the probability that the purchaser's private information will be compromised due, for example, to a breach in the online merchant's computer system security.

Moreover, the act of transmitting private information to the merchant creates the danger that the information could be intercepted by unauthorized parties over the internet.

In-person credit card transactions are also subject to security problems, such as fraud.

While this type of credit card increases the convenience of the transaction, it also opens the possibility that a user's credit card information could be surreptitiously read by unauthorized RFID tag readers which may come in proximity to the card.

In addition to the problems described herein with respect to financial transactions, other types of transactions are also subject to concerns related to fraud and identify theft.

For example, electronic person-to-person communications, such as email, chat rooms, instant messaging, and others, are also subject to fraud and identity theft.

Thus, electronic communications can be accessed by unauthorized parties who are able to gain access to the intended recipient's communication account via a stolen password or some other method.

A user's privacy, security, and identity can be jeopardized during tasks and activities that millions of people perform every day, whether in-person or remotely via their computers.

Cumulatively, these acts of fraud cost society enormous sums of money.

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