What is Challenge/Response Mutual authentication?
A challenge/response mutual authentication sequence is the process of two parties exchanging encrypted information so as to verify the validity of both parties. In the case of Magensa, the two parties are the valid website and the MagneSafe reader. A typical scenario is as follows: • A valid website requests a challenge from the MagneSafe reader. • The MagneSafe reader responds with an encrypted challenge. • The valid website calls a Magensa web service to decrypt the challenge, formulate the appropriate response, then sent it back to the MagneSafe reader. • The MagneSafe reader receives the response and determines that it was correct, thereby, authenticating the website that sent it. • Upon successful completion of the mutual authentication process, the MagneSafe reader then blinks its LED to signal that to the user that it is safe to enter a username, password and swipe a card.
