Systems and methods are provided for securely activating actions by work machines, independent of distance between the machines and users requesting the actions. An
authentication network is established between a host
server, authorized users, and work machines, wherein authorized user computing devices are assigned
authentication keys. A user sends a first message to the host
server comprising requested actions by an identified work
machine and signed with an
authentication key. The host verifies authenticity of the first message, optionally adds a host signature, and transmits the verified message to the work
machine. The
machine controller verifies authenticity of the first message and conditionally generates a second message comprising a confirmation challenge to the user. If the user responds satisfactorily to the challenge, the machine executes the requested actions, for example relating to startup / shutdown,
access control,
autonomous control of operations, adjustments to machine settings, and the like.