A user request associated with a first user and a shipment of one or more items is received. A prompt that the first user provide one or more biometric identifiers is provided. The prompt selectively excludes a request for billing information from the first user. At least partially in response to the providing of the prompt, at least a first biometric identifier of the first user is obtained. At least partially in response to the obtaining of the first biometric identifier of the first user, the billing information is automatically processed. Based at least in part on the automatically processing of the billing information, the user request associated with the shipment of the one or more items is completed.

A client device is configured to communicate with an access point over a wireless network, exchanging data with the access point over a selected communication channel. The client device stores an identifier of the selected communication channel. After the wireless connection to the access point has ended, the client device initiates a process to reconnect to the access point over the selected communication channel using the stored identifier.

A network communications method utilizing a network watermark for providing security in the communications includes creating a verifiable network communications path of nodes through a network for the transfer of information from a first end node to a second end node; verifying the network communications path of nodes, by the first end node, before communicating by the first end node information intended for receipt by the second end node; and once the network communications path of nodes is verified by the first end node, communicating by the first end node, via the verified communications path of nodes, the information intended for receipt by the second end node; wherein the network watermark represents the verifiable network communications path of nodes.

A network communications method utilizing a network watermark for providing security in the communications includes creating a verifiable network communications path of nodes through a network for the transfer of information from a first end node to a second end node; verifying the network communications path of nodes, by the first end node, before communicating by the first end node information intended for receipt by the second end node; and once the network communications path of nodes is verified by the first end node, communicating by the first end node, via the verified communications path of nodes, the information intended for receipt by the second end node; wherein the network watermark represents the verifiable network communications path of nodes.

An apparatus and method for joining an Internet of Things (IoT) network are provided, the apparatus including a communicator configured to receive, from an electronic device, an encrypted auto-onboard configuration data associated with the IoT network, a sensor configured to detect a user command, and at least one processor configured to generate a decryption key based on features extracted from the user command, decrypt the encrypted auto-onboard configuration data using the decryption key, and join the IoT network.

An apparatus and method for joining an Internet of Things (IoT) network are provided, the apparatus including a communicator configured to receive, from an electronic device, an encrypted auto-onboard configuration data associated with the IoT network, a sensor configured to detect a user command, and at least one processor configured to generate a decryption key based on features extracted from the user command, decrypt the encrypted auto-onboard configuration data using the decryption key, and join the IoT network.

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, initializing a secure timer in a wireless device, determining whether a subscriber identification module (SIM) card installed in the wireless device comprises a carrier identity that matches a carrier identity stored in the machine-readable medium, establishing a network connection with a trusted server, starting the secure timer if the SIM card and network connection are satisfactory, periodically checking the network connection and SIM card until expiry of the secure timer, penalizing the secure timer responsive to a failure of the network connection or SIM card check, and responsive to expiry of the secure timer, unlocking a SIM lock. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, initializing a secure timer in a wireless device, determining whether a subscriber identification module (SIM) card installed in the wireless device comprises a carrier identity that matches a carrier identity stored in the machine-readable medium, establishing a network connection with a trusted server, starting the secure timer if the SIM card and network connection are satisfactory, periodically checking the network connection and SIM card until expiry of the secure timer, penalizing the secure timer responsive to a failure of the network connection or SIM card check, and responsive to expiry of the secure timer, unlocking a SIM lock. Other embodiments are disclosed.

In accordance with one or more embodiments described herein, a method is provided. The method includes receiving a request to assume control of a vehicle generated by a candidate operator via a first communication pathway. The method obtains a key from an onboard controller of the vehicle and communicates the key to the candidate operator via a second communication pathway that is different from the first communication pathway. The method determines the candidate operator to be a confirmed operator based at least in part on obtaining the key from the candidate operator via the first communication pathway.

Described herein are systems and methods that allow for secure wireless communication between a contact lens system and an accessory device to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access to confidential information. In certain embodiments, tampering attempts by potential attackers are thwarted by using a Physically Unclonable Functions (PUF) circuit that is immune to reverse engineering. In addition, sensors monitor a to-be-protected electronic device to detect tampering attempts and physical attacks to ensure the physical integrity of the communication system.